Two potential Norwich City transfer targets were all but ruled out by manager Nigel Worthington today when he said: “We just can't afford them.” Plymouth Argyle midfielder David Norris has been watched and admired by the Canaries, while Tottenham Hotspur are reported to be prepared to offload central defender Calum Davenport, who played 16 matches on loan at Carrow Road last season.

Two potential Norwich City transfer targets were all but ruled out by manager Nigel Worthington today when he said: “We just can't afford them.”

Plymouth Argyle midfielder David Norris has been watched and admired by the Canaries, while Tottenham Hotspur are reported to be prepared to offload central defender Calum Davenport, who played 16 matches on loan at Carrow Road last season.

But, still to unveil his first new recruit of the summer with the start of pre-season training just over three weeks away, Worthington said City were not likely to be in a position to buy either player.

Norris, 25, was voted Plymouth player of the year. Born in Peterborough and a £30,000 capture for the Pilgrims from Bolton, he had an outstanding season and caught the eye in the 1-1 draw against City at Home Park in January.

“David Norris is a player we have been watching and we like but he's under a three-year contract and would probably prove too expensive,” said Worthington.

Former Coventry defender Davenport, 23, had a largely successful spell on loan with the Canaries from September to December, but he too appears to be out of their price range.

“The figure we were quoted by Spurs last year was £3m but we haven't got that sort of money,” said Worthington. “It isn't a huge amount of money that we have to work with.”

The City boss also dismissed reports last weekend linking him with a move for West Ham defender Elliott Ward when he said: “There's nothing in that one.”

One signing he remains hopeful of making soon is that of Scotland international goalkeeper Paul Gallacher, who has been offered a new contract after playing the final four matches of 2005-06 in place of the injured Robert Green.

“Paul is still away on holiday so there's nothing to report yet,” said Worthington.

“I'm hoping that he will sign because he did exceptionally well in four games at the end of the season.

“Hopefully when he comes back from holiday we can get things moving.”

But even if Gallacher stays, City will look for further goalkeeping back-up after the news that Green's ruptured groin, which ruled him out of the World Cup, could keep him out until at least October.

“With the extent of Robert Green's injury, we may need a bit more experienced cover,” said Worthington. “We'd possibly be looking at someone on loan.”

The appointment of a new first-team coach to replace the axed Steve Foley may still be a couple of weeks away.

“That one's moving along quite nicely but it will probably be towards the start of pre-season training.”