Norwich striker Kyle Lafferty plays down talk of move to Leeds

By Peter Gilbert

Image: Kyle Lafferty has fallen down the pecking order at Norwich

Norwich striker Kyle Lafferty has played down reports he is on the brink of joining Leeds United.

United manager Steve Evans said at the weekend that negotiations between the clubs were ongoing and claimed the Northern Ireland international had attended Saturday's draw with MK Dons in the Sky Bet Championship.

"Someone told me that the big man was here today, so he must have paid in because he didn't ask for a ticket!" Evans told BBC Radio after the 1-1 draw.

Image: Steve Evans revealed negotiations were ongoing on Saturday

"Look, I'm not going to be disrespectful to Alex Neil and David McNally, the chief executive at Norwich, but the clubs are talking and we'll see where it goes."

However, Lafferty later denied being at Elland Road and played down speculation of an imminent exit from Carrow Road.

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"I wasn't at the Leeds game," he tweeted. "I am overwhelmed at the interest from Leeds United as I understand how passionate the club and their fans are.

"At the moment, I am still a Norwich City player and I will continue to work hard and try and force my way into the team. I will train and concentrate on our FA Cup match against Man City on Saturday."

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Lafferty joined Norwich on a three-year contract in June 2014 after helping Palermo win promotion to Serie A by scoring 11 goals in 34 matches.

The 28-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Turkish club Caykur Rizespor and returned to Norwich for pre-season.

Image: Kyle Lafferty celebrates after scoring a late equaliser against Hungary to ensure Northern Ireland finished top of Group F

Depsite scoring seven goals in nine matches to help Northern Ireland qualify for Euro 2016, Lafferty has made just two substitute appearances for Norwich this term.

He scored against West Brom in the Capital Cup in September and again started from the bench in the home defeat to Leicester in October.

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