Norwich City are ramping up their pursuit of goalkeeper Vladan Kovačević from Sporting CP, as they look to secure a reliable replacement for Angus Gunn. The 27-year-old Bosnian international has emerged as a key target for the Canaries, particularly after reports indicated that he is not in the plans of Sporting’s new head coach, Rui Borges.
Kovačević’s time in Portugal has been fraught with difficulties. He joined Sporting last summer for a fee of approximately £4.8 million from Polish side Raków, but an ankle injury has significantly hampered his playing opportunities. Last season, he was loaned to Legia Warsaw, where he made a notable impact, helping the team achieve a 2-1 victory against Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League at Stamford Bridge, despite their eventual exit in the quarter-finals.
With four years remaining on his contract with Sporting, Kovačević’s future is uncertain. According to the Portuguese newspaper O'Jogo, Sporting are keen to recoup their investment in the goalkeeper, who initially had a hefty release clause of £60 million. However, with Legia Warsaw opting not to extend his loan, Kovačević is set to return to Sporting while he awaits clarity on his next steps.
Norwich City are not alone in their interest; several Championship rivals are reportedly monitoring Kovačević’s situation closely. The Canaries are eager to bolster their goalkeeping options this summer, especially following their decision not to renew Gunn’s contract. Additionally, second-choice goalkeeper George Long is also likely to leave, heightening the need for reinforcements in that position.