By support

4th Jul, 2016 | 8:16pm

Report: Leeds in battle with Championship rivals to land in-form goalkeeper

By Harvey Byrne

Norwich are eyeing a swoop for Leeds goalkeeper target Michael McGovern, according to a report.

South west publication The Bristol Post claim that the Canaries have joined the race to sign the in-demand Northern Ireland goalkeeper.

The 31-year-old stopper is a target for the Yorkshire giants amid speculation that current number one Marco Silvestri could be returning to Italy, as reported on Football Insider.

However, Leeds face a tough battle to land the Euro 2016 star as current Norwich manager Alex Neil knows the goalkeeper from their days at Hamilton.

It is also understood that newly promoted side Wigan and a fourth Championship club in Bristol City are chasing the currently unattached goalkeeper.

The Northern Ireland international is looking to move to a team that will offer him a first team spot after it was reported that McGovern had rejected a move to Premier League outfit Southampton in the fear that he would play second fiddle to Fraser Forster at St Mary’s stadium.

The experienced goalkeeper has represented his country in 15 encounters, which include four appearances in the European Championships this summer where Northern Ireland were eventually knocked out by semi-finalists Wales in the round of 16.

The Northern Irishman starred in 39 encounters in the recently completed season keeping 10 clean sheets over the year.

In other Leeds news, the Whites have reignited their pursuit of Ternana striker Felipe Avenatti.