Norwich City must sign ‘unbelievable’ 23-goal striker as Josh Sargent targeted by Leeds United

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Premier League Leeds United have targeted Norwich City ace Josh Sargent this summer, and there is a prolific replacement available in the Championship for the Canaries.

Liam Manning became the new Norwich City manager earlier this month, and his first weeks in the Canaries hotseat have been concerned with some high-profile potential departures.

Napoli submitted multiple bids for Borga Sainz earlier in the summer on the back of the Spaniard’s exceptional goalscoring season, in which he finished runner-up in the Championship golden boot race.

Aside from Sainz, Norwich striker Josh Sargent has also been the subject of major transfer interest, and there is a “real chance” Sargent moves to the Premier League this summer.

With Leeds United targeting the USA international, Norwich must be looking at one second tier striker prospect as his potential successor.

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Norwich City must target Charlie Kelman amid Josh Sargent Leeds United interest

Sky Sports have claimed that newly-promoted Leeds have made a £16.8m approach for prolific Norwich forward Sargent, that would see him link up with former boss Daniel Farke.

Leeds boss Farke has already explained why he wants Sargent again, which is obvious after 15-goal Championship campaign at the Canaries.

Norwich fans may fear the worst with Sargent’s 2024 admission about his dreams of Premier League football, of which the Elland Road outfit are now able to offer him this summer.

If Sargent does depart Norwich this summer, the Canaries hierarchy should be targeting QPR starlet Charlie Kelman, who spent last season on loan at Leyton Orient in the third tier.

USA international Kelman scored 23 times and notched five assists in 49 League One appearances for Orient last season, but could not help his loan outfit to victory in the play-off final against Charlton Athletic.

QPR starlet Kelman has the scope to become a prolific goalscorer in the Championship, and Norwich should capitalise on his lofty potential, of which Orient boss Richie Wellens lauded throughout his season-long loan spell under his tutelage.

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Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens called Charlie Kelman ‘exceptional’

Throughout the 2024/25 third tier season, QPR loanee Kelman was pivotal for the O’s in their battle for promotion, cementing himself as one of the most exciting young striker prospects in the EFL.

After scoring the winner with a stunning curled effort against Mansfield, Orient boss Wellens heaped praise on the 23-year-old forward.

As per the Lancashire Telegraph, Wellens said: “They were two brilliant finishes, and his winner was an absolute worldie and I am pleased for him. Second-half, he was excellent.

“I have said it many times, I love him to bits. There is an unbelievable talent in there.”

Evidently the signing of Kelman has one eye on the future, and it would be challenging for the starlet to instantly make the step up to becoming Sargent’s successor.

However, the Canaries have an impressive track record for the excellent recruitment of young talent in recent seasons, with Sainz and Sargent being two prime examples, and Kelman could also follow suit.