Huddersfield Town boss Lee Clark has dismissed reports of a �1.75m bid from Norwich City for winger Anthony Pilkington.

The Canaries declined to comment on national newspaper reports that they had made a big offer for the 23-year-old forward, who scored 14 times for the Terriers last season.

But Clark, former assistant manager at Carrow Road, insisted: “There’s been no contact.”

And he expects Pilkington to be in Town’s opening day League One line-up at home to Bury on August 6.

Clark is adamant it will take a far higher bid than that quoted in various reports before Town even begin to consider an offer.

“He’s one of the best players in the Football League and I’m not surprised he’s being linked with Premier League clubs,” he said.

“The rumours are pretty much inevitable, but the figures being talked about are hugely below our valuation, and the best way to look at them is that they confirm we are doing the right things in signing talented young players and developing them.”

Pilkington, under contract at Huddersfield until 2014, is currently recovering from a broken left leg and dislocated ankle, suffered in the 2-1 home win over Rochdale in March.

Clark said his recovery was progressing well and added: “While he might not be able to start pre-season with the group, I’m confident he’ll be ready for the first league game.”

Signed from Stockport in January 2009, Pilkington played 40 times last season. He scored in six consecutive games in October and November – he bagged 14 goals in all last season and has scored 25 times since moving to the Galpharm Stadium – and made the PFA League One team.

Meanwhile, sought-after City striker Cody McDonald has had talks with League One club Oldham Athletic.

Latics boss Paul Dickov confirmed he had spoken to two prolific goalscorers – McDonald and Clayton Donaldson, who is out of contract at Crewe.

Dickov believes it would a great coup if he were to land one or both players.

He said: “I am not stupid and realise that goalscorers of their calibre are going to attract a lot of interest.

“I have spoken to both, but there are a lot of clubs in for them. If it is purely down to money, then they are not my type of player. I want footballers who will buy into what we are trying to achieve here.”

McDonald, 25, has another year of his contract to run at Carrow Road. He has scored five times for City in 32 senior outings, but spent last season on loan at League Two club Gillingham, where he scored 25 goals and was voted player of the season.

Donaldson scored 29 goals for Crewe last season.