Johannes Hoff Thorup has refused to be drawn on links to Norwich City but has admitted he holds ambitions of coaching outside Denmark. 

The 35-year-old boss of Danish side Nordsjaelland is the bookmakers favourite to succeed David Wagner at Carrow Road, with former Reims boss Will Still and ex-AZ Alkmaar chief Pascal Jansen also of interest. 

Thorup would require a work permit should City opt to offer him the job - and whilst he refused to comment on growing speculation, he didn't reject links with the Carrow Road hot seat. 

 "I want to say the same thing as I did last winter when there were also stories coming forward: I don't think it is appropriate as a coach to stand and talk about other places or clubs. I am extremely happy to be here," Thorup told Danish outlet SN. 

"Out of respect for one's employer, I don't like that I or all sorts of others have to stand and talk about other clubs. So, I'm not going to say much about that sort of thing. I love being here.

"I have huge ambitions here. The two seasons we have played now have lifted us in a really exciting direction and taken this club to a level that many have wanted and dreamed of for many years. Up where we can join, where it's really fun.

"It shouldn't just be a one-time pleasure, but something you can hope for and count on when the season starts.

"To that extent, we are in the process of doing so. And we must continue with that - and get a little better all the time. So that at some point we can honestly say that we are now aiming to become Danish champions. I have an ambition for that here."

Thorup did confirm that he holds aspirations of challenging himself abroad at some stage in his career - but said it would have to take 'an exciting' project to tempt him to depart Nordsjaelland at this stage. 

"At one point or another it can be fun to try another league, country and another culture," Thorup said. "But it must really be an exciting project, because it really takes a lot to beat this, I would say.

Eastern Daily Press: Ben Knapper is leading the search for Norwich City's next head coach.Ben Knapper is leading the search for Norwich City's next head coach. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

"It's not something I've given much thought to. But at some point, it could well be exciting. I also know this world, and I am not always the master of it myself. Sometimes it goes fast. Other times not so strong.

"I can't just say that I'll stay here for 10 years either - there are also some others who must think it's a good idea.

"I am hopefully only at the beginning of it all, and I hope that I will continue to see things that I can develop about myself. I don't believe that at any point I say that now I know what I need to know."