Lewis switch could be good news for Norwich City

Ex-Norwich academy keeper Joe Lewis admits he now feels ready for the Premier League - which could land the Canaries an unexpected New Year transfer windfall.

The Peterborough stopper is the subject of fresh transfer speculation after his heroics frustrated a powerful Tottenham side in United's weekend 4-0 FA Cup third round defeat at White Hart Lane.

City negotiated a sell on clause for their highly-rated former academy prospect as part of his original �400,000 Carrow Road switch in January 2008 - an initial fee which has now reportedly risen to �600,000 after back-to-back promotions for the London Road outfit.

Lewis has previously been linked with top flight duo Everton and Portsmouth but the 22-year-old insists he remains focussed on helping bottom club Peterborough retain their Championship status.

“I'm happy at Peterborough and all I'm concentrating on is trying to keep us in the Championship. That's a big task for us all,” he said. “But if a Premier League club came in it would be a difficult one to turn down - though on the other hand you want to be playing week in, week out, like I am.

"It was pleasing to hear the Spurs fans singing my name. When you are playing well it's nice to know that the people watching are recognising that. I must admit, though, you don't often hear opposing fans singing your praises. But I've just got to keep playing well and whatever happens, happens. Every footballer in the world wants to play in the Premier League - it's the place to be - and I'm no different.”

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp claimed Peterborough director of football Barry Fry had wasted little time trying to cash in on Lewis' FA Cup display by trying to line up a potential White Hart Lane move.

“Barry Fry just came in and said 'Arsenal want him, Liverpool want him, Man United want him, but if you want him I'll give you first opportunity',” joked Redknapp. “He came into the dressing room after we'd only just finished the game and he was in there trying to flog him.”

United chairman Darragh MacAnthony is adamant Lewis will not be allowed to go on the cheap after embellishing his growing reputation as one of the best young keepers in the country.

“Joe was brilliant and that kind of performance week in, week out plus clean sheets will lead to a long England career which we all knew would be the case when we signed him,” said MacAnthony. “It's probably the best �600,000 the club has spent.

“I am still in shock over the starting 11 Spurs picked compared to a lot of other Premier League teams but now all our focus is back on the Championship. No-one bar Aaron Mclean has asked for a transfer out of the club as the players are all in this together and want to fight their way out of it. Leaving the club where we are right now isn't what you would expect from your best players but the manager will be adding to his squad in the coming days.

"The dressing room needs a lift and a bit of shaking up, so January will be interesting to say the least with Barry Fry busy trying to offload the 10 or 12 that the gaffer feels he wants to let go.”

Lewis has made 104 appearances in his two-year stint at Peterborough. The former England U21 keeper also earned a surprise call up to Fabio Capello's senior squad for the 2008 north American summer tour.