Chances are, if Robbie Brady is to make a return to the Premier League, it will not be with Norwich. Going into Monday's games, the club sat mid-table in the Championship, seven points off the playoff places are in a run of form making them unlikely to take a step up at the end of this season.
That he stayed with Norwich following his performances at Euro 2016 was a surprise - perhaps even to himself. Norwich placing his valuation a little too high may have had something to do with that.
It's highly likely Brady will move on from Carrow Road in the January window. The 24-year-old has had a season of mostly indifferent performances for Alex Neil's side.
In recent weeks, he was linked with a move to Aston Villa. With Steve Bruce in charge, a promotion expert, it would not be the worst decision for Brady. Also, given the club's resources, a return to the Premier League is probably not that far off.
If Brady wants a more immediate Premier League move, he reportedly has another suitor willing to make it happen - if the price is right.
The Daily Mail reports that Crystal Palace have made a £7 million bid for Brady but that does not meet Norwich's evaluation of the player. Norwich want £12 million.
It's also said that new Palace manager Sam Allardyce wants Brady as a replacement for Pape Souare who is a long-term injury absentee.
That would mean Brady playing left-back. From an Irish perspective, it would certainly be better to see Brady playing further forward, particularly in the central role where he flourished at Euro 2016.
Though Palace are currently hovering outside the relegation zone, when you take into consideration Allardyce's record of keeping clubs in the Premier League, a move to Selhurst Park would not be the worst which Brady could make.
Brady did not play for Norwich against Derby on Monday as he was suspended following a red card against Brentford on New Year's Eve.
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
