Norwich still hopeful of securing signing of Steven Naismith

Steve Naismith: Keen to play more football at Everton

Steve Naismith: Keen to play more football at Everton

Norwich manager Alex Neil remains hopeful of closing out a deal for Everton’s Steven Naismith this month.

The Canaries are said to be in pole position to capture the Scotland international after holding advanced talks with Everton.

Naismith, who has scored 18 Premier League goals in 103 appearances for the Toffees, has been a long-term target for Neil, but with the transfer window already well over two weeks old the Norwich boss has so far been unable to land his man.

“It has been nearly there for the best part of two weeks, so we will wait and see,” said Neil of the 29-year-old Everton forward.

“There has been a lot of talk about it but until things are complete and over the line there is not much to say.

“He is an established Premier League player, who has played in this division for countless years and he has got goals, too.

“He is versatile, in terms of he can play off either flank, he can play as a 10 and he can play as a nine. He is experienced, he is determined and he has got good legs and can get about the pitch.

“He is an international and he is a good lad off the pitch, so there is a whole host of reasons as to why we would be interested in that type of player.”