Paul Lambert offloaded fringe striker Cody McDonald to Coventry earlier tonight – but resisted the temptation to make any final day transfer deadline moves.

McDonald signed a three year deal with the Championship strugglers for an undisclosed fee on an otherwise quiet finale to the August window for the Canaries boss. Out-of-favour midfielder Stephen Hughes also left the club after his contract was terminated by mutual consent and Anthony McNamee made a free transfer switch to League One leaders MK Dons just before the window shut at 11pm. Youngster Tom Adeyemi also agreed a loan switch to League One Oldham until January 3.

The triple departures of McDonald, Hughes and McNamee came as no surprise after the trio - along with Oli Johnson - had played no part in City's pre-season build up or were issued with squad numbers. Johnson remained at Carrow Road but will be available to go out on loan to Football League clubs when the emergency window re-opens later this month.

McDonald had been linked with a number of potential suitors throughout the close season following a successful season-long loan stint at Gillingham in League Two last year when he plundered 25 goals for the Gills.

The 25-year-old travelled to the Ricoh after Norwich had agreed a fee with the Sky Blues before completing a medical and agreeing personal terms. Coventry boss Andy Thorn was delighted to land McDonald and revealed the former Dartford striker had been his prime target.

'Cody is an exciting player who has a proven track record,' said Thorn. 'We believe that he is capable of producing at this level and we are delighted to have him on board. I have been looking at him for a considerable time and he was my number one choice as a recruit so I am delighted we have secured his services.'

McDonald made 32 senior appearances for the Canaries – the majority from the bench – after arriving from non league football in February 2009. Midfielder Hughes had also largely been a bit part player under Lambert following his arrival on a free transfer in July 2009. Hughes made just one league appearance for City last season, which also included a loan spell at MK Dons. McNamee had also failed to feature in the first team this season. The 27-year-old had made 37 appearances since joining from Swindon in December 2009.

Lambert also sanctioned a temporary loan switch for teenage midfielder Adeyemi. The 19-year-old spent last season at Bradford and admitted his opportunities in the Premier League were poised to be limited after agreeing a move to League One Oldham until the New Year.

'As a young player at Norwich, promotion to the Premier League was always going to make life hard for me and limit my first-team opportunities,' he said. 'That is why I was keen to join Latics when I heard of their interest because hopefully I will be able to play more games. When you are training and playing for the reserves you only learn so much and for a young player like myself it is important to be playing as many games as possible.'

'Bradford was my first taste of regular first-team football and I learned a lot and found it a really helpful experience. I had been at Norwich for two successive promotions, but I saw a different side at Bradford who were battling to stay in the Football League. We didn't have a good season, but it was great to be around an environment like that and it definitely made me stronger as a player and person.'

Latics' boss Paul Dickov revealed Adeyemi had come highly recommended.

'The biggest compliment came from Norwich manager Paul Lambert who told me had his side not been promoted to the Premier League, he would have played for them in the Championship this season,' he said. 'I have had a number of conversations with Paul Lambert and know how highly regarded he is. We are very lucky to have him.

'Tom is a player I have looked to get in for a long time and he will give us a lot of quality. He is an all-round box-to-box player who will add quality on the ball as he has an eye for a pass. Tom is also quick, while the physical aspect of League One will not be a problem.'