NORWICH today launched a £1 million-plus bid to prise Colchester star Greg Halford away from Layer Road.The Canaries, who have agreed a £7.25m deal to sell striker Dean Ashton to West Ham, are prepared to pay a seven-figure fee for the U's highly-rated star.

By Mel Henderson

NORWICH today launched a £1 million-plus bid to prise Colchester star Greg Halford away from Layer Road.

The Canaries, who have agreed a £7.25m deal to sell striker Dean Ashton to West Ham, are prepared to pay a seven-figure fee for the U's highly-rated star.

But even though Halford, pictured, has played as a striker, and enjoyed some success in the role, Carrow Road boss Nigel Worthington does not want him as a straight replacement for Ashton.

Norwich see Halford filling the same role on the right of midfield in which he has helped Colchester to the top of League One and into the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Essex-born 21-year-old, who stands 6ft 4in tall, scored six goals in nine games as a stand-in striker last season, including a hat-trick against Rushden & Diamonds.

And this season he has contributed eight goals as Phil Parkinson's team have gone on a scintillating run, winning 16 of their last 18 games to have fans dreaming of Championship football at Layer Road.

Norwich are confident they can get their man before the transfer window closes on Wednesday week.

Norwich, who retain hopes of gatecrashing the play-offs, are also keen to spend some of the cash they will pocket from the sale of Ashton on a new striker.

Coventry's Gary McSheffrey and Cameron Jerome of play-off hopefuls Cardiff are two players known to figure on manager Worthington's wanted list.