Norwich City look set to step up their interest in a Premier League defender when the loan transfer window reopens next Tuesday.

Norwich City look set to step up their interest in a Premier League defender when the loan transfer window reopens next Tuesday.

Chief executive Neil Doncaster revealed today that the club made an attempt to snatch the player, believed to be Stoke City's Andrew Davies, during Monday's transfer deadline day - only to be thwarted by the snow!

Doncaster also admitted that a permanent move for a centre-back - thought to be Cardiff's Darren Purse - collapsed and that the Canaries rejected a number of bids for in-form winger Lee Croft, including one from a Championship club believed to be Nottingham Forest.

Monday's move for the Premier League defender on a half-season loan was only scuppered because the player could not make it into his club as a result of the heavy snow.

“Late in the day, we became aware of a Premier League centre-back who was to be let out on a half-season loan,” said Doncaster. “But with the snow closing in, and the minutes ticking by, the 5pm deadline arrived moments before he drove through the gates at his blizzard-swept club.

“So, despite the valiant attempts of the player to get in to sign the forms, the loan could not be completed.

“But all is not lost. Although Premier League clubs are now forbidden from making any more signings, Football League clubs are not.”

City also held talks with Cardiff centre-back Purse. But Bluebirds boss Dave Jones was reluctant to release the 31-year-old after injuries to his first choice centre-backs over the weekend.