Norwich’s Alex Neil confirms interest in Roma striker Mattia Destro

But progress has stalled in recent weeks and the move for Roma striker Mattia Destro has been struck with delays.

The Canaries are embarking on another Premier League campaign, having gained promotion via the playoffs at the first attempt previous year.

However, the 34-year-old accepts mixing it with the elite clubs of English football is a whole different ball game.

Norwich have only signed four players – Graham Dorrans, Youssouf Mulumbu, Robbie Brady and Jake Kean – so far this summer.

“I need to sign players I think are going to add to the group and make us stronger and better”. The problem with bringing in a foreign player of course is whether they can adapt quickly. “Trying to get that balance right is hard”.

“I have said before I won’t just go and sign players, I will wait to the end (of the transfer window) if I have to”.

The two locked horns on a number of occasions when Neil was playing for Hamilton, and Fletcher admits it will be odd to see one of his contemporaries barking out instructions from the sidelines this weekend.

“When you’re an established Premier League team it’s much easier to attract top-quality players”, said Neil.

Neil is hoping for a similar performance to the one against Palace, if with a more positive outcome.

“We just need to be careful that all the hurt and pain Sunderland are feeling from their defeat last week does not manifest itself into a performance”.