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Roeder poised to sell young keeper
04 January 2008
Norwich keeper Joe Lewis was last night locked in advanced talks over a surprise £400,000 move to ambitious League Two outfit Peterborough United.
The 20-year-old was meeting Posh officials at London Road to discuss personal terms after City reportedly sanctioned a January transfer window exit for the England U21 starlet.
Lewis is believed to want regular first team football after a hugely successful loan stint at United's league rivals Morecambe ended this week.
Norwich's hierarchy were remaining tight lipped over Lewis' impending departure after play-off chasing Peterborough released an official statement earlier in the day hinting they were 'hopeful' of capturing their prime target.
Posh director of football Barry Fry revealed United had launched a club record bid to beat off competition from Morecambe and a late inquiry from an unnamed Championship outfit.
United - bankrolled by Irish property magnate chairman Darragh McAnthony - have until noon today to complete the paperwork if Lewis is to be available for Peterborough's weekend FA Cup third round tie at Colchester.
Lewis would be eligible for the Layer Road trip after missing Morecambe's first round defeat against Port Vale earlier in the season with a gashed head injury that needed 20 stitches.
Shrimpers' boss Sammy McIlroy confirmed earlier in the day his club had been priced out of a permanent move for Lewis following the youngster's Christie Park loan spell.
“I spoke to the lad and he told me he was thinking about it - and you can't blame him,” said the former Northern Ireland manager. “I knew Peterborough were interested in him and we did put a bid in for him. But we can't compete with £400,000. I am surprised with the move though.”
City chief Glenn Roeder turned down McIlroy's request to extend Lewis' initial loan spell which expired over the weekend - ironically with a 3-2 league win over Peterborough.
Lewis looked set to battle it out with Steven Arnold and Matthew Gilks in the New Year for the back up spot behind Scottish international David Marshall after Paul Gallacher completed his permanent switch to Dunfermline.
The 20-year-old missed Norwich's recent draw at Crystal Palace with a stomach bug although Roeder was poised to draft the academy prospect into his squad for Saturday's cup tie against Bury.
The City trainee has yet to make a first team appearance at Carrow Road but made his football league debut in March during a five game loan stint at Stockport.
Lewis joined newly promoted Morecambe in August and helped the Shrimpers establish themselves in the top ten. The Broome-born shot stopper also featured prominently in Morecambe's giant killing Carling Cup run when they knocked out Championship sides Preston and Wolves.
The highly rated youngster earned a first call up to train with Stuart Pearce's England U21 squad this season after a series of consistent Christie Park displays.
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