CHRIS LAKEY Peter Grant is ready to add a defender to his squad to complete this year's Norwich City jigsaw puzzle.

CHRIS LAKEY

Peter Grant is ready to add a defender to his squad to complete this year's Norwich City jigsaw puzzle.

The Canaries boss has strengthened his attack and midfield and added two new keepers, but so far only Jon Otsemobor has come in to add strength to the back line.

As far as central defenders go, Grant has Jason Shackell and Gary Doherty, plus Dion Dublin as cover - although the veteran has never made a secret of his preference for being regarded as a striker - while Otsemobor can move across from right back if necessary. However, Grant seems almost certain to add to his eight summer signings by bringing in a centreback - possibly on a loan deal.

He said: "I have made a few phone calls, but managers are still saying, 'can you wait until the week prior to the season?' It is not ideal, but if you are not going to spend big bucks that's the way you are going to have to work.

"I understand managers' positions. But there are a few that we are close to and have spoken to and it is just a matter of managers giving us the nod on them."