Last Updated: Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:34
Norwich boss Chris Hughton looks set to miss out on Slovenia striker Robert Beric in January after Catania stepped up their interest.
Hughton is re-assessing some of his scouting reports on strikers ahead of the January transfer window following an untimely injury to Grant Holt, but Beric's name is now being strongly touted around Serie A.
Catania and Sampdoria are both interested in the 21-year-old frontman who caught the eye for NK Maribor when he scored in their Europa League clash against Tottenham in November.
He had previously played against Hughton's Birmingham City side in last year's competition - which is where the Canaries boss' interest is believed to have stemmed from.
Aston Villa and promotion-chasing Championship duo Leicester City and Cardiff City were also keen on Beric with the Welsh club hoping to pair him up with his former Maribor strike partner, Etien Velikonja.
Catania are understood to be the favourites to sign him after Maribor coach Darko Milanic suggested they would be an ideal next step for him earlier this month.
Milanic said: "He's playing well, he's young and improving every game. Robert wants to improve because he is humble and willing to work.
"Maribor must sell to survive and one of those who we hope to sell is Beric. Catania could be the ideal solution as it would allow him to grow steadily and not be hurried. They may be the right club where he can mature."
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