Norwich City Transfers: Top 10 January Targets for Paul Lambert

Norwich City have made an excellent start to life in the Premier League, but Paul Lambert must now decide how to strengthen his squad for the rest of the season.

Up to now, Lambert has signed players from the lower leagues. It will be interesting if he sticks to that policy or looks for players with more Premier League experience.

With that in mind, I have compiled this slideshow with 10 potential options.

Chris Gunter (Nottingham Forest) Full-Back

Chris Gunter has already been linked with a move to Carrow Road, and it's believed that a bid may have already been made. Nottingham Forest have demanded £2.5million for the Welsh international full-back.

Gunter's favoured position is right-back. The Canaries already have good options in this position with Kyle Naughton and Russell Martin. However, competition for places can only be a good thing.

Gunter once had a shot in the Premier League when Spurs paid £2million for the then-Cardiff player. The move didn't work out, but he has now gained more experience by playing over 100 games for Forest in the Championship. He has also played 35 times for Wales.

At 22 and arguably with a point to prove in the Premier League, Gunter certainly seems to fit the profile Lambert typically looks for in new recruits.

Kyle Naughton (Spurs) Full-Back

Kyle Naughton has technically been on loan at Norwich for the season. However, there are signs that Spurs are prepared to cash in on the player during the transfer window. Paul Lambert has already confirmed that he will be a target.

The Canaries have been able to try before they buy and know exactly what they would be getting. The move would also benefit the player, because he needs to be playing regular first-team football rather than being a backup player at Spurs.

Henri Lansbury (Arsenal) Midfielder

It was somewhat of a surprise that Henri Lansbury didn't join Norwich in the summer, especially after he spent most of the season on loan at the club.

However, a return on loan always looked unlikely due to the tighter restrictions for Premier League clubs. Lansbury joined West Ham on a season-long loan instead. It will be interesting to see if Arsenal will cash in on the player in this transfer window.

The midfielder hasn't been linked with a return to Carrow Road, but the past history suggests that he may well be on the wish list.

Jordan Rhodes (Huddersfield) Striker

Jordan Rhodes has been linked with a move to Norwich along with a number of other clubs. Paul Lambert is known for scouring the lower leagues for talent, and with the way Rhodes has been playing for Huddersfield this season, it isn't hard to see why the interest is there.

Rhodes has scored 20 goals in the first half of the season at League One level. He will now be keen to show what he can do at Premier League level, if Paul Lambert gives him an opportunity.

Anthony Pilkington will be sure to give Rhodes a glowing reference for making the switch from Huddersfield to Norwich. 

Robert Snodgrass (Leeds United) Winger

Paul Lambert tried hard to sign the Leeds United winger in the summer. However, Leeds held firm to keep hold of their star.

There hasn't been a fresh link as of yet, but a move would hardly be a complete shock. The Canaries have made a good impression on their return to the Premier League and Leeds are outside the playoff places, so Snodgrass may now be keen on the move.

Kris Boyd (Free Agent) Striker

Scottish striker Kris Boyd is believed to be on the radar of Norwich City. The player is currently available on a free transfer, but would still be a significant risk.

He was a prolific scorer in Scotland, but failed to repeat that form when he joined Middlesbrough. He did have some success with a loan spell with Nottingham Forest.

Boyd is now 28 and it's unknown if he could step up to the Premier League. Lambert may feel that he is worth the risk. 

Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace) Striker

Wilfried Zaha is one of the more highly-rated Championship strikers. The player has been linked with a move to the Premier League, but not specifically with a move to Norwich City.

However, it wouldn't be a surprise if he was on Lambert's list of potential targets. Zaha offers pace and quick feet and would add some more variety to the Norwich attack. He hasn't proved himself as a regular goal-scorer as of yet.

However, at only 19, it may be harsh to hold that against him. Zaha is certainly a player that could be useful to Norwich City.

Josh McEachran (Chelsea) Midfielder

Josh McEachran is clearly a player that is highly rated at Stamford Bridge. It is likely that the creative midfielder would be available on loan, though he hasn't been specifically linked to Norwich.

At present, Norwich have the two Premier League loan deals they are entitled to. However, there is the possibility that Kyle Naughton will leave Spurs permanently in January and Paul Lambert may elect to terminate the loan deal of Ritchie De Laet early.

McEachran is a young player that will be keen to make his mark in the Premier League and would add some much-needed variety. He is the sort of player that could provide competition for Wes Hoolahan.

Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace) Full-Back

Nathaniel Clyne is another highly-rated Championship full-back and could be a target if Paul Lambert cannot secure the services of Chris Gunter. Although, at the moment, he hasn't been linked with Norwich, a Premier League move could be on the cards.

At 20 years old, Clyne certainly fits into the young-and-hungry category that Lambert prefers.

Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City) Central Defender

It has been no secret that the Norwich defence has not been as good as it could be. Nedum Onuoha looks to be surplus to requirements and comes with Premier League experience.

However, an approach for the player may be seen as a U-turn on Paul Lambert's transfer policy. It is also unknown if the Norwich City manager will look to strengthen his central defence.

Onuoha has been linked with several Premier League teams.

Follow James Kent on Twitter for all his updates.