Reports claim Ameobi's former boss on Tyneside, Glenn Roeder, is keen to take the 26-year-old to Carrow Road.

And he could be given the green light for a £3.5m bid after a life-long City fan and billionaire revealed his desire to inject £20m into the Canaries.

Ameobi spent the end of last season on loan in the Championship with Stoke City.

However, a possible move to the Potteries fell through, despite the club winning promotion to the Premier League.

It was then reported Ipswich Town had a bid accepted by Newcastle, but the player rejected the move, prefering to keep his options open.

Now it is believed the former England Under-21 international could be prepared to drop down into the Championship to link up with his former boss Roeder and coach Lee Clark - Roeder's assistant at Carrow Road.

Norwich's new owner could be supporter Peter Cullum, who is believed to be ready to launch a buy-out of major shareholder Delia Smith, but insists he wants the celebrity chef to remain the Canaries' figurehead.

The 57-year-old insurance magnate - the 40th wealthiest man in Britain-told the Daily Mirror: "This is about passion and love for the club but I'm not prepared to put that sort of money into the club without having control."

Cullum - who played for Norwich City boys - made initial contact with the club last year, and says his offer still stands.

He added: "I don't want to be the front person for the club, that's Delia.

"I don't want fame and publicity. If there's to be some sort of deal I'd like it to be on friendly terms."