Norwich City must beat Middlesbrough to sign ‘dangerous’ Championship ace after Liam Manning approval

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Championship star is poised to become a free agent at the end of June, and Norwich City must capitalise to continue their impressive summer transfer window business.

Since the second tier season concluded, Norwich City have wasted no time in showing their 2025/26 Championship rivals that they mean serious business in the summer transfer window.

In the dugout, the Canaries completed a massive coup as Liam Manning was appointed by Norwich, shortly after masterminding a top-six finish for Bristol City.

The Norwich hierarchy quickly sought to bolster the squad that Manning inherited with some stellar additions, after Norwich signed Harry Darling despite interest from Rangers, and signed Manchester City’s Jacob Wright permanently.

If the Canaries are to continue this trend to propel the club towards a top-six finish, Norwich must beat Championship rivals Middlesbrough to the signature of an “exciting” forward, who is seen to be a Championship free agent.

• READ MORE: It’s obvious Norwich City will achieve Championship play-off place in 2025/26 after ‘statement of intent’

Norwich City must beat Middlesbrough to sign Tyrhys Dolan

Tyrhys Dolan cemented himself as one of the Championship’s best wide forwards after scoring seven goals and notching six assists for Blackburn Rovers last season, as Valerien Ismael’s side narrowly missed out on the play-off places.

The 23-year-old’s contract is due to expire on June 30, and as such will become a free agent as a result of ending his Ewood Park stint, despite the fact that Blackburn offered Dolan a new deal.

Middlesbrough led the chase for Dolan earlier in the summer and held talks with the Rovers ace before the arrival of Rob Edwards, with Norwich also in contention to complete the capture of Dolan.

As well as Boro, Norwich have held talks with Dolan so far this summer, with Canaries boss Manning giving clear approval to bringing the Englishman in.

Via our Chief Football correspondent Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis understands that Dolan is “exploring his options” with interest in Europe coinciding with that of Norwich and Boro’s attempts to sign him.

The Canaries are braced to lose Borja Sainz this summer with Italian champions Napoli submitting bids for Sainz, and the arrival of Dolan would help to fill the goalscoring void of the Spaniard’s departure, given he would’ve ranked third in Norwich’s goal and assist contributions last term.

Edwards was appointed by Boro in the wake of Michael Carrick’s sacking, and Edwards’ Boro style of play has been questioned, and his physical playing style would be less suited than Manning’s possession-orientated tactics where Dolan would thrive.

When Rovers boss Ismael had his say on Dolan earlier this summer, Manning’s Championship managerial rival has already told him what qualities to expect.

• READ MORE: Rob Edwards must end Middlesbrough’s eight-year Premier League absence in his first season as Boro boss

Blackburn Rovers boss Valerien Ismael believes Tyrhys Dolan is a ‘dangerous’ player

With Dolan poised to become a free agent, Blackburn will be due compensation if he leaves for the Canaries or any other Championship club this summer, because he does not turn 24-years-old until December 28.

Dolan concluded the campaign in a purple patch of form, including a stunning winning goal against eventual play-off final winners Sunderland before the regular season curtailed, posting the best goal contribution numbers of his career.

His performances led Ismael to admit he was desperate to see the “dangerous” forward stay at Blackburn.

Via the Lancashire Telegraph, Ismael said: “I won’t say that we are the first on his list. The only thing I can say, we give him the love he needs.

“He knows the environment he has. He knows now the way we want to play. We suit him perfectly.

“Now he’s much more dangerous. We put him higher on the pitch in those areas when he can be more effective. So I think in his decision it will be important that he plays for next season.

“If he’s playing and enjoys his environment then we have a good chance. If it’s about money, big money, then I’m not sure that we are in the first place.”

With Sainz set to leave Norwich this summer, the financial burdens regarding the move for Dolan should not be a problem, given the Spaniard’s inevitably sizable transfer fee, and the Canaries should reinvest those funds to beat Boro to Dolan’s signature this summer.

His proven goal threat, versatility in forward areas, and potential to develop further under Manning’s tutelage make him a perfect next acquisition for the Carrow Road recruitment team.