Reports are circling that Norwich City have made a substantial bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers hotshot striker Benik Afobe, with the Championship club moving quickly to assure fans that he will not be leaving Molineux.

Since signing for Wolves from Arsenal in January, Afobe has netted 14 times in 23 Championship games.

Norwich have recently been linked with a move for Queens Park RangersCharlie Austin and an audacious swoop for Roma’s Mattia Destro.

But reports are now suggesting that the Canaries have turned their attention to former Arsenal man Afobe, after the forward’s incredible goalscoring form since his loan spell with MK Dons.

Afobe spent six spells on loan from Arsenal, with Huddersfield Town, Reading, Bolton Wanderers, Millwall, Sheffield Wednesday and MK Dons. And it was during his time at Stadium MK that he found his goalscoring touch.

Afobe notched 19 goals in 30 games in all competitons for the Dons during the first half of last season, including two goals in a 4-0 Capital One Cup win over Manchester United. This prompted Wolves into signing the 22 year old for £2million during the January transfer window.

Wolves respond to speculation

Wolves have however now released a statement stating that they will not be selling Afobe, stating that the forward, along with a number of other players, arrived at the club "to strengthen the team for the strongest possible challenge on promotion this season.”

It continued: "Neither Benik nor any of Wolves’ first-team forward players, will be sold this season", noting that "Benik has developed into a player of key importance to Wolves and the Club’s plans for this campaign.”

Norwich still in the market

Canaries boss Alex Neil has made no secret that he is still in the market for new signings, admitting that he has been in discussions with clubs over many players.

Norwich have already splashed the cash this window, bringing in Graham Dorrans from West Brom for £3million, and Robbie Brady from Hull City for £7million. No figure has been released yet for how much Norwich have bid, but Sky Sports' reports of a “substantial offer” could mean that it surpasses the fee paid for Brady. 

But with Wolves's statement, Norwich may have to turn to other targets.

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About the author
Rhys Tompkins
Aspiring football writer. Football League writer for VAVEL UK.