Norwich City’s Chris Martin too costly for us, says Tranmere Rovers boss Ronnie Moore

League One leaders Tranmere Rovers have failed in a bid to take Norwich City striker Chris Martin on loan – claiming it was too expensive.

Manager Ronnie Moore said they made a move for Martin after his loan spell with promotion rivals Swindon Town ended.

Moore said: “We’ve inquired about the lad Martin who’s at Norwich but we can’t afford to bring him in unfortunately, and Gary Madine at Sheffield Wednesday as well.

“So we’ve knocked on all the doors but we just haven’t been able to get somebody to come in yet.”

Martin made 12 appearances for the Robins, scoring once, but manager Paolo Di Canio criticised his contribution and said he had his sights on a Championship move.

The 24-year-old Martin is out of contract with City in the summer and has not been included in their updated Premier League squad of 25.

“Chris has been unfortunate. He has a wonderful finishing ability but he has just found himself not getting the games here he would like,” said manager Chris Hughton, who said they were looking to fix up another loan for the striker.

“He played a part at Swindon and that will have given him the feeling of being back involved.”