CHRIS LAKEY Canaries boss Peter Grant faces stiff competition if he is to land defender John Otsemobor in the summer. Grant has admitted his interest in the former Liverpool man, but there is a growing list of rivals who have joined the chase for the 24-year-old's signature.

CHRIS LAKEY

Canaries boss Peter Grant faces stiff competition if he is to land defender John Otsemobor in the summer.

Grant has admitted his interest in the former Liverpool man, who wants out of League One Crewe - but there is a growing list of rivals who have joined the chase for the 24-year-old's signature.

The player's agent, Eric Walters, confirmed to the EDP yesterday that Otsemobor has held talks with Norwich - but says nothing will be decided until the end of the season when he will talk to at least five other Championship clubs.

“Norwich asked to speak to John, who will be on a Bosman in the summer - and he would be a very good Bosman signing,” said Walters.

“He is a big lad and the sort of players Norwich said they would be looking for because they are looking to revamp their side with three or four new signings.

“They phoned Dario Gradi at Crewe who gave permission and John and I went and spoke to Peter Grant and (chief executive) Neil Doncaster).

“Nothing has been finalised yet because there is a very strong interest in John.

“Leeds, Sheffield Wednesday, Burnley, Coventry - there are quite a few clubs who are interested. He has options because of his pedigree. He just needs to get himself fit and play a few games.”

Otsemobor began his career as a trainee at Liverpool where he was a centre-half, but he is more familiar with the right-back berth nowadays - one of the positions where City boss Grant is likely to be looking to strengthen in the summer.

“John started at Anfield, he has a good upbringing and has played for England at all levels up to the 21s,” added Walters.

Otsemobor is on the market after making it clear to Crewe boss Dario Gradi that he would not be signing a new contract at Gresty Road once his current deal expires in the summer.

However, Walters said there was nothing sinister in that decision, except his desire to play at a higher level.

“He is not going to sign for Crewe because he feels he can play above that standard,” said Walters. “And there are people who are at that standard who have shown an interest.”

Otsemobor, who is currently sidelined with injury, began his career as a trainee at Anfield but made just four appearances for the Liverpool before he was farmed out on loan to Hull, Bolton and Crewe before joining Rotherham in the summer of 2005. He spent six months at Millmoor before moving to Crewe.