Opinion: Norwich City should target Stoke City forward following journalist’s recent Ross Stewart comments | OneFootball

Sitting bottom of the Premier League pile, with relegation back to the Championship confirmed, Norwich City will be hoping to respond by mounting another promotion push next season.

Winning promotion back to the top-flight after their last two relegations from the Premier League, Dean Smith will be hoping that this trend continues next time out.

Smith is set to have his first summer in charge of the Norfolk club, and as a result, he will already be assessing his options for the new campaign.

One player that the Canaries have already been linked with is Sunderland striker Ross Stewart, with the Black Cats forward netting an impressive 24 League One goals to help his side into the third-tier play-offs.

However, Rangers are also monitoring the Scotsman’s progress, with journalist Pete O’Rourke believing that the Scottish giant’s current, and expected European status for next year will give them the advantage over the Canaries.

Of course, with promotion to the Championship remaining a possibility for Alex Neil’s men, staying at Sunderland is another option for the exciting forward who has enjoyed an excellent first full season in Wearside.

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Subsequently, if Norwich are unable to strike an agreement with the Black Cats, then Stoke City forward Benik Afobe is someone who they could turn their attention to.

With a contract expiring next summer, a fee would have to be paid for his services, however, it is unlikely to be too high of a sum.

The 29-year-old is currently on loan at Millwall and has caused havoc for opposing defences this season, with his energy and physicality being on show for all to see.

He has also returned 12 goals in 37 appearances this Championship season, proving to be a forward who offers a whole range of desirable attributes.

Thriving off excellent service, Afobe has worked very well with Jed Wallace this season, and placed in a side who are likely to consistently create more chances, the experienced forward could be a shrewd addition at Carrow Road.

Afobe is also an option who is nearing 200 Championship appearances, with that kind of experience representing an advantage that he has over Stewart.