Lambert prepares for tricky transfer window

Lambert expects tackling the January sales to be no different this year (Getty Images)

Paul Lambert has told Norwich's board the players he wants to bring in during the January transfer window, but accepts the Norfolk club will have to "box clever" to land his top targets.

The Canaries have acquitted themselves well on their return to the top flight, and are the highest-placed of all three promoted clubs as they prepare for tonight's visit of high-flying Tottenham.

Norwich, however, have yet to keep a clean sheet in any of their 17 Barclays Premier League games, and it is understood defensive reinforcements are on Lambert's wanted list.

The Scot, though, accepts landing those individuals to fit in with the wage structure and current squad ethic could prove testing.

"I have told the club the players I would like to try and get in," Lambert told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"We have to box clever with what we are trying to do. It is up to the club to try and sort something out."

Lambert expects tackling the January sales to be no different this year from when he was trying to guide the club back up from first npower League One and then the Championship.

"You still have the same problems," said the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who has masterminded successive promotions since his appointment in August 2009.

"It is hard during the January window because nobody wants to sell their better players and price inflation goes really high."

Despite Norwich producing some impressive displays to chalk up five wins and six draws, Lambert maintains there is still a long way to go before anyone at Carrow Road can be patting themselves on the back at a job well done.

"I have never tried to predict anything that is going to happen," said Lambert.

"I am a realist and we will do everything we can to stay in this league.

"Everyone before the season thought we would be bottom by now and it has not happened, so we will keep striving to stay in the league."

After tonight's televised clash with Spurs, the Canaries host Fulham and then travel to Queens Park Rangers on January 2.

Midfielder Andrew Surman, who scored in last week's 2-2 draw at Wolves, knows Norwich cannot lose focus as they look to maintain their distance from the relegation battle over the next five months.

"We have had a great start, but it will mean nothing if we get relegated so we have got to keep it going," Surman said.

"I suppose teams didn't really know what to expect from us at the start of the season, but I think all the teams that got promoted have got good enough players to stay in the division.

"We have good strength in depth to keep teams guessing and a few shapes we can play, but if people keep picking up points they will be fine."

PA