Halford would cost 'silly money'

Norwich City have been told they would have to pay “silly money” to bring highly-rated Colchester star Greg Halford to Carrow Road.

The Canaries were linked with a £1m bid for the young defender at the weekend and while manager Nigel Worthington denied that story he did reveal yesterday that he had made an inquiry about the player.

His Colchester counterpart Phil Parkinson confirmed that there was no more to it than that at this stage - and would clearly be happy if it stayed that way for the remainder of January transfer window.

“Norwich have made an enquiry about Greg but it is no more than the sort of inquiry I have made for many players myself in the past,” he said.

“There has been no firm offer and it would take silly money to prize any of my players away. I have always been keen to hold on to my players, not least because I think we have got a great chance of really achieving something this season.”

Halford, an 21-year-old Essex boy who stands 6ft 4ins tall, has come on in leaps and bounds since making his debut for his only professional club at the tail end of the 2002-3 season.

He quickly established himself as a first team regular at Layer Road, with his versatility making him a key member of Parkinson's squad.

Before this season Halford had played most of his football at right-back, but he has proved himself more than adept as a wide midfielder this term, netting eight goals in 27 appearances to help his side to the top of the table.

His capture would certainly provide the Canaries with some much need competition for places on the right flank, while the fact that he can also do a job as a central midfielder or a centre forward makes him an even more attractive proposition.

“We do like the player,” said Worthington. “And, yes, we have made an inquiry and that's as far as it has gone.”