Norwich City have announced that they have accepted an £6 million offer from striker Craig Bellamy – and the Sky Blues are reported to be the club ready to sign him.

There has been a lot of interest in the 21-year-old striker, and Coventry City boss Gordon Strachan is thought to be keen to sign him as a replacement to Robbie Keane.

If the deal goes through in time it is quite likely that he will be put straight in the team to play Middlesbrough on Saturday as the Sky Blues are woefully short of strikers.

Norwich City confirmed today that they have accepted an offer for the Wales international subject to personal terms being agreed.

Bellamy had been offered improved terms by Norwich and a contract extension.

Canaries manager Bryan Hamilton said an offer over £6 million had been made for Bellamy. He added:

"We were very happy to turn the offer down, we want Craig to stay, but Craig felt it was right to accept the offer and that he should be allowed to speak to the other club.

“So we gave the club permission to speak to him."

Chairman Bob Cooper added:

"Nothing happened without Bryan being party to it. He came to me and we spoke to the player and after that I handled the negotiations. No one wants Craig to go."

Coventry City chairman Bryan Richardson has told the Eastern Daily Press that Bellamy was their target.

He said:

"We've agreed a fee with the club and terms with the player and Craig is on his way to Coventry for a medical.

"It is fantastic news for the club - especially considering the calibre of opposition we were up against."

Spurs, Newcastle and Wimbledon were thought to be chasing Bellamy.

Richardson added:

"Gordon has had tabs on him for some considerable time and after speaking to several other people about the player to make sure, they all said 'go and get him, he's tops'.

"I can safely say it is down to Gordon Strachan and his commitment that Craig chose to come to Coventry.

"He is a manager who is only interested in talking about football with the player and Craig has realised that this is someone who will look after him as he did with Robbie Keane.

"We fully expect Craig to do as well as Robbie, if not better."
  

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