David Cuffley Norwich City boss Bryan Gunn insists he will not rush into a decision over his first choice goalkeeper for the new season. A question mark hangs over the No 1 jersey after Scotland international David Marshall, ever-present for the past two seasons, was sold to Cardiff City.

David Cuffley

Norwich City boss Bryan Gunn insists he will not rush into a decision over his first choice goalkeeper for the new season.

A question mark hangs over the No 1 jersey after Scotland international David Marshall, ever-present for the past two seasons, was sold to Cardiff City.

The Canaries this week gave England Under-19 squad 'keeper Declan Rudd, 18, a new three-year deal, but he has yet to make a first team appearance,

Stuart Nelson, last year's reserve 'keeper - also yet to appear in the City senior side - is out of contract next week and still recovering from an ankle operation.

City are reported to have inquired about taking Birmingham's Colin Doyle on a season-long loan with the Republic of Ireland international effectively third choice at St Andrew's behind Maik Taylor and loan signing Joe Hart, from Manchester City.

But, with the City players reporting back to Colney on Monday, former goalkeeping hero Gunn said he was keeping his options open.

“It's a delicate situation with David Marshall leaving and I'm not rushing into it. I'm taking my time and considering all options,” he said.

Deciding the future of 27-year-old Nelson is part of that equation.

“We've extended the period of Stuart's rehabilitation and we want to be sure the injury has healed. He is under contract to the end of the month and he will be coming in for fitness testing with the rest of the players on Monday,” said Gunn.

City's other senior player out of contract next week will be midfielder Simon Lappin, still considering the offer of a new deal.

“We are still in discussion with Simon and his representatives,” said Gunn, who did not rule out adding to his three new signings before training gets under way.

“It's still possible. We are in discussions with a couple of clubs,” he said.

Sheffield Wednesday winger Wade Small, now out of contract, is the latest name linked with a move to Carrow Road, although the 25-year-old is also said to interest Crystal Palace, Leeds and Charlton.

Gunn's transfer budget has been boosted by more than �700,000 after news that a third of season ticket-holders had not claimed their relegation rebate, with director Michael Foulger contributing the other half of that sum.

“It's fantastic that so many fans have helped us,” said Gunn. “The fact is we have a substantial sum to work with and with Michael Foulger matching it by putting the same amount into the playing budget, it could be crucial for us.

“We have made some inroads with three signings and I'm delighted we've tied them up so early in pre-season - and we're planning to add more in the weeks ahead.”

Gunn had his first sit-down meeting with new chief executive David McNally yesterday.

“David and I met for the first time and we sat down to go through a plan of action,” he said.

“We were in close contact on the telephone most days last week and I am looking forward to working with him. His knowledge and experience in working with other chairmen and managers will be a great asset to the club and to me as well and I'm looking forward to building that relationship with him.

“But I'd like to put on record the great work club secretary Kevan Platt has done behind the scenes in helping to get the signings of Matthew Gill, Owain Tudur Jones and Michael Nelson in the bag so early. He has been working on those signings over the course of a number of weeks since the end of May.”