Hands off Taylor

The Canaries have contacted the Clarets to express their interest in the Welsh international, who has been club's leading goalscorer for the last two seasons.

But they have been fired a 'hands off' warning from chairman Barry Kilby.

Norwich chief executive Neil Doncaster revealed Taylor, who ended the season with 18 goals from 48 league and cup appearances, was high on manager Nigel Worthington's list of 10 most wanted summer signings.

"We can confirm that Gareth Taylor is one of a number of players we have been looking at and we have approached Burnley about the player in the proper manner," Doncaster said.

But Kilby revealed: "I've had a call from Norwich. There hasn't been an offer but we are not interested."

Worthington, who is friends with Burnley boss Stan Ternent, has revealed he is on the hunt for a 20-goals-a-season striker this summer to add ammunition to the club's continued push for promotion.

And it is believed Norwich are willing to offer Dane David Neilsen in a swap deal with any club willing to do business.

The Canaries' defence was reasonably solid in the last campaign, only leaking 49 goals. But Worthington had found his side wanting in attack.

They initially hoped to sign David Healy following his loan spell from Preston North End but that deal has fallen through, with the striker returning to Deepdale.

Taylor, voted Burnley's Player of the Season, is currently preparing to meet up with the Wales squad for a friendly match against the USA in California on May 26.

After scooping the honours at Burnley's end of season awards, the former Manchester City striker praised manager Ternent.

Taylor revealed how he had been consigned to reserve team football at Maine Road, and said: "The gaffer gave me a lifeline and I owe it all to him.

"He showed a lot of faith in me and brought me to the club when my career was probably at a standstill really.

"I feel more settled here than I've ever been at any other club."