CHRIS LAKEY Peter Grant expects movement in the loan market to begin next week - but it won't include Wales striker John Hartson. The Canaries boss has played down reports linking him with the West Bromwich Albion front man - as well as former Hibs striker Garry O'Connor, who is currently earning a living playing in Russia.

CHRIS LAKEY

Peter Grant expects movement in the loan market to begin next week - but it won't include Wales striker John Hartson.

The Canaries boss has played down reports linking him with the West Bromwich Albion front man - as well as former Hibs striker Garry O'Connor, who is currently earning a living playing in Russia.

“John Hartson is a good footballer, but there has been no contact there at all,” said Grant yesterday.

O'Connor, who plays for Lokomotiv Moscow, revealed he was chased by five English clubs, including City, last month.

“All negotiations with the Lokomotiv leadership and potential buyers were conducted by my agent Gary Mackay, so therefore I don't know all the details,” he said. “I only heard that Wigan, Aston Villa, Norwich, Birmingham and West Brom were interested in my services.

“It's true that the last three options I would have turned down since these clubs do not play in the Premier League.”

Grant said: “It was a name that has been flagged up to me but it has not gone any further than that.”

O'Connor insists he is happy to stay in Russia, with his high salary likely to be a stumbling block.

Grant, who complete four transfer window deals for new players last month, is permitted to begin trading in the loan market from Thursday, but believes it will take a few days before anything concrete happens.

“First of all you have to consider the 93-day loan - managers have to get their timing right,” he said. “I can't see much being done before the weekend because I think it will be a case of people getting in those phone calls again and then resuming business - but that won't stop me from trying.”

Meanwhile, Grant says he won't be naming a new club captain in succession to Craig Fleming, who moved to League One Rotherham on transfer deadline day.

“I don't believe in things like that,” said Grant. “I believe you have one captain and that is it. That is an honour and a privilege in itself.”

Adam Drury remains team captain.