CHRIS LAKEY Norwich City have been told to go back and rethink their offer for Cardiff City striker Cameron Jerome.

CHRIS LAKEY

Norwich City have been told to go back and rethink their offer for Cardiff City striker Cameron Jerome.

Reports from south Wales say the Canaries have already made their first bid for the Bluebirds' striker, but it has been rejected.

But talks are on-going and Cardiff are willing to let the 19-year-old hot-shot go - as long as the price is right.

Owner Sam Hammam has already put a £3.5m price tag on the teenagers' head, but although the Welsh club claim they are under no pressure to sell, it is unlikely City will need to go that high to get their man.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones appears to be ready to accept Jerome's departure - he's already lining up a move for Derek Riordan, of Hibernian.

Jerome is clearly at the top of manager Nigel Worthington's shopping list, although City have also been linked with Coventry's Gary McSheffrey and Colchester's Greg Halford. But, as per club policy, they have refused to confirm or deny the speculation.

However, chief executive Neil Doncaster yesterday promised that when the transfer window closes at the end of January, the Canaries will reveal details of their attempts to sign players, successful or otherwise.

“We've made a number of inquiries about a number of players,” confirmed Doncaster.

“It is not, however, in Norwich City's best interests to announce the details of any bids that have been made.

“We will announce more details if and when any bid is accepted - and in any event, after the transfer window closes.”

While Dean Ashton has left for pastures new, City, with money in the bank, have yet to sate supporters' appetites for new blood - and that might not sit comfortably with fans who are still wondering just which direction the season is heading.

But if City can prove they tried and failed through little fault of their own, it may go some way to appeasing disgruntled fans.