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Norwich not finished in the transfer market as Russell Martin extends contract

The Scotland defender has signed a three-year deal

Jim van Wijk
Wednesday 10 July 2013 12:34 BST
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Chris Hughton, Norwich's manager, will not be pleased to have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Luton
Chris Hughton, Norwich's manager, will not be pleased to have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Luton (Getty Images)

Norwich manager Chris Hughton is expected to show no let-up his summer recruitment drive after seeing Scotland defender Russell Martin sign on for another three years at Carrow Road.

Martin, 27, joined Norwich from Peterborough in January 2010 following a successful loan spell and was an integral part of the side which secured promotion to the top flight under former manager Paul Lambert and went on to retain their status for a third campaign following Hughton's appointment last summer.

Earlier this week, Norwich sold former club captain Grant Holt to Wigan and are anticipated to further bolster the squad ahead of a three-match tour to the United States.

The Canaries have already shattered the club's transfer record with the £8.5million capture of Holland international Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

England Under-21 winger Nathan Redmond was last week purchased from Birmingham, while defender Javier Garrido has signed permanently after a loan from Lazio.

Norwich are understood to be tracking PSV Eindhoven's Sweden international Ola Toivonen, Lokomotiv Moscow's £6m-rated Senegal striker Dame N'Doye and Blackburn left-back Martin Olsson.

Feyenoord midfielder Leroy Fer and Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld are also reported targets for the Canaries, with suggestions the duo have already travelled to East Anglia to take in the club's facilities ahead of undergoing medicals.

Norwich, though, remain adamant England goalkeeper John Ruddy will not be sold, despite Chelsea having twice made formal offers. Indeed, the interest of the Stamford Bridge side could now fade following the signature of veteran Mark Schwarzer, who was a free agent after leaving Fulham.

Martin, meanwhile, is a strong candidate to succeed Holt as club captain, having proved himself an able team player across the Norwich backline when required.

"I am extremely delighted - everyone knows how I feel about playing for this football club," the Brighton-born former Wycombe defender said.

"Since I first arrived here it has gone unbelievably well and I feel really settled in the area.

"I am happy playing for this club and I have got a great relationship with the players, staff and the supporters, and I'm just delighted to be here for another three years."

Hughton feels the move repays the player for his services in helping keep the club in the Premier League again last season.

"It is about players earning a new deal and I am delighted to be extending Russell Martin's contract," said Hughton.

"Russ has played his full part not just in helping us to achieve our finishing position last season, but of course in the club's massive successes over the previous three seasons and he has certainly earned his new contract."

PA

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