Jerome latest from wales..

Blades' signing leaves Canaries free to chase Jerome Jan 25 2006

Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

Sheffield United have agreed a deal with Burnley to sign striker Ade Akinbiyi - and cleared the way for Norwich City to make their move for Cameron Jerome official.

The Canaries have been playing a waiting game to avoid getting caught up in an auction, hoping United would sign Akinbiyi or Geoff Horsfield (West Bromwich Albion).

Today, Sheffield United have agreed a fee of ?1.75m for Akinbiyi.

They had a bid of ?1.5m for Jerome rejected by Cardiff City, while Burnley had turned down two previous offers.

The Clarets are set to depart on a training break to the Canary Islands today, but Akinbiyi stayed behind and travelled to Bramall Lane for a medical and to discuss personal terms.

The former Wolves, Leicester and Crystal Palace striker has been a big hit at Turf Moor, having rejected the Blades and Wigan to move there from Stoke in a ?600,000 deal just under a year ago.

That leaves the way clear for Norwich.

They had already confirmed their strong interest in Jerome and have offered ?2m down plus add-ons for appearances, promotion and England calls.

Norwich manager Nigel Worthington is under pressure from supporters to spend some of the money brought in by Dean Ashton's ?7.25m departure to West Ham United, with Jerome and Colchester defender Greg Halford the men he wants.

Talks have been opened unofficially, but Cardiff are in no hurry to progress.

The January transfer window is open until next Tuesday and manager Dave Jones wants Jerome to stay.

He is currently with City's squad at their training camp in Portugal and they return tomorrow, while owner Sam Hammam is also due back from a trip to Lebanon.

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Posted By: loz, Jan 25, 12:58:49