Exclusive: What Don Goodman thinks about Liam Manning, Harry Darling transfer reunion at Norwich City | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman spoke exclusively to Football League World about Norwich City's recent signing of Harry Darling

Don Goodman has praised Norwich City after the East Anglian side were able to land the services of Harry Darling on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old centre-back was the subject of strong interest from other Championship sides, most notably the newly-promoted and highly ambitious duo of Birmingham City and Wrexham, who are both expected to invest heavily across the summer.

However, Darling is headed for Carrow Road once his contract at second-tier rivals, Swansea City, reaches its official conclusion on June 30th, with the Cambridge native also reuniting with Liam Manning, who departed Bristol City after guiding the Robins to the play-off semi-finals to join his hometown club on a four-year contract.

The Canaries have been one of the most active sides in the division during the early stages of pre-season, with Darling joining Daniel Grimshaw, Jacob Wright - who joins on a permanent deal from Manchester City - and Louie Moulden as incomings thus far. But, there's no denying that capturing the defender on a free transfer could be one of the most impressive deals across all 24 clubs by the time the window slams shut on September 1st.

Given his exploits at the Swansea.com Stadium, it was also of little surprise to many that the South Wales club were eager for Darling to be a key part of Alan Sheehan's first full season in charge, with the Swans also conducting impressive early transfer business.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Goodman believes that the capture of Manning's former colleague at Stadium MK is an extremely shrewd piece of business, as the centre-back has proven ability at both ends of the pitch with his defensive ability and aerial threat.

"There's no doubt, I think, that Norwich City really had to strengthen their defence," the Sky Sports pundit began.

"Only the three relegated teams of last season (Luton, Plymouth and Cardiff) and Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth conceded more goals than Norwich. It's just not a recipe for success, really," Goodman explained.

"It was an area that they had to address, and they've done that. Harry Darling is a very, very solid signing.

"He's only 25, so there's still some improvement to come. He's played over 250 games now at senior level, so he's got the experience and he's a threat in the opposition box," he continued.

"Five goals and three assists last season from 39 games is excellent, isn't it, for a centre-half!"

"I do think he'll be a really good addition for Norwich City," Goodman concluded.

Harry Darling gives Norwich City key advantage after Swansea City departure

As well as the qualities in both boxes which he will bring to a new-look Norwich side, the Norfolk outfit will have a key advantage with the as a result of this deal, and that is the fact that Darling has previously excelled in Manning's style of play, whilst other recruits and pre-existing members of the squad may need an adjustment period.

"Liam being in charge, I worked with him before at MK Dons so I didn't need convincing too much about the style of play. I really enjoyed it last time working with him," he explained in his first interview after penning a three-year contract.

It still feels increasingly likely that Borja Sainz and Josh Sargent will depart Carrow Road this summer, with the duo accountable for 33 of City's 71 goals last term, meaning that there could be even more of an onus on the remainder of the squad to share the goals around if the Yellows are to return to their previous position as play-off contenders.

Darling certainly fits that bill, having scored 25 senior goals in his career thus far, which will be music to the ears of the creative forces among the ranks.