Liam Manning’s first challenge at Norwich City becomes clear as clubs launch bids for star man

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The manager merry-go-round is in full effect after Liam Manning officially joined Norwich City on Tuesday afternoon, and the 39-year-old will slowly be getting used to life back in his home town.

EFL Analysis exclusively revealed on Wednesday that Bristol City are showing an interest in Michael Carrick, just hours after he was sacked by Middlesbrough after three years in charge at the Riverside Stadium.

Nevertheless, Manning’s full focus will be on Norwich as they prepare for Daniel Grimshaw’s arrival, while the Canaries also target Vladan Kovacevic with replacing Angus Gunn a major issue that needs to be sorted this summer.

However, with the transfer window fully underway, the Championship side have just received their first bids for one of their star players, and the new boss has a huge task on his hands as they prepare for the next stage of negotiations.

• READ MORE – Every incoming and outgoing at Norwich City in the summer transfer window

Norwich City receive first bids for Borja Sainz

Athletic Bilbao have already shown significant Borja Sainz interest, however, a fresh report from Chris Reeve has stated that the first bids have come in for the winger.

Yet, the Basque outfit are not one of those to have come straight out of the blocks with an offer, and it is in fact clubs from Italy and Portugal who have made the first move in the pursuit of the 24-year-old, who scored 18 goals in the Championship in 2024/25.

With interest also coming in from Türkiye, there is the potential for more bids in the coming days and Manning may find it tough in trying to keep hold of the player who finished as the runner-up in the Championship Golden Boot race last season.

• READ MORE – Norwich City enter race for coveted Championship defender who’ll cost £0, Liam Manning reunion is on the cards

Liam Manning will know the reality of Borja Sainz’s future

While it will be difficult to replace Sainz’s goals, Norwich know that keeping hold of the Spaniard will be tough and they have possibly already prepared for life without him.

However, with Josh Sargent well liked by Roma, replacing both of those two players is going to be a major challenge and Manning has an incredible task to bounce back if their star forwards leave this summer at a similar time.

The earlier a deal is sorted for Sainz, the earlier the Canaries can find a successor. Norwich have a strong transfer budget for this window, and therefore it would not be a surprise for them to act quickly after either player departs.

Nevertheless, the 24-year-old will be missed at Carrow Road and his departure would leave a huge hole on the left flank.