Antoine Sibierski's loan move to Norwich City could become a permanent deal in the new year, manager Glenn Roeder has revealed. The 34-year-old French striker and midfielder joined the Canaries from Wigan in a pre-deadline deal just before the transfer window closed on Monday night.

Antoine Sibierski's loan move to Norwich City could become a permanent deal in the new year, manager Glenn Roeder has revealed.

The 34-year-old French striker and midfielder joined the Canaries from Wigan in a pre-deadline deal just before the transfer window closed on Monday night.

Sibierski will be on loan at Carrow Road until January 18.

But, asked if there was a chance of making the move permanent, Roeder said: “Potentially, yes. It all had to be done quickly in the last few hours on Monday. But let's see what happens between now and January.”

Wigan boss Steve Bruce left the door open for Sibierski's possible departure on a full-time basis when he said he would review his progress at the end of the loan period.

Bruce said: “Antoine is undoubtedly a good player who could make a contribution for us this season.

“However, looking at the big picture, fitness has been a problem to him since my time here and we have decided to allow him to leave for a few months.

“He is a tremendous pro and we wish him the best of luck. We will review the situation in January.”

Sibierski is likely to train with the Canaries for the first time tomorrow, while City's other new recruit, Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Grounds, on a three-month loan, was expected to train today.

“Antoine was a fantastic signing for me at Newcastle,” said Roeder, for whom Monday night was almost a re-run of transfer deadline day in August 2006, when the Frenchman made a late drive to St James' Park from Manchester City to complete his free transfer.

“It was about 10 o'clock when we'd done on Monday, but it was a late night for Kevan Platt and Neil Doncaster having to deal with all the paperwork.”

Roeder said he had watched his other deadline day loan signing, Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Grounds, during his time in the North East as Newcastle boss.

“He was a good young player at reserve team level, as was Matthew Bates, and he looks a bright prospect. Middlesbrough have had a great run of turning out young talent. I shouldn't say this as a former Newcastle manager, but Middlesbrough is the academy in the North East.”

The City boss even hinted that he could renew his interest in Bates, on loan at Carrow Road last season, when he is fully recovered from a knee injury.

“We keep in touch with Matthew Bates and he is coming on nicely,” said Roeder. “He made a big impression on the staff and players and looked a talented young player. Never rule out the possibility of him returning in the future.”