Brazilian interest in City’s Emi Marcondes – reports

Norwich City midfielder Emi Marcondes is reportedly attracting interest from Brazil this summer. 

Marcondes, 30, saw his one-year option at Carrow Road taken up at the end of last season after making a positive impact in his debut campaign at Norwich after joining on a free transfer in October.

Sao Paulo-based station Rádio Bandeirantes are reporting that Marcondes is attracting interest from Brazilian top-flight side Gremio FBPA and is being considered by their management to replace attacking midfielder Franco Cristaldo should he move on.

The midfielder, who is of Brazilian descent through his late mother, had options to move to Brazil last summer – but opted against it for personal reasons.

It’s understood that Norwich have received no official approaches for Marcondes at this stage of the summer, but are braced for interest in the midfielder. He joined City in part due to his strong relationship with Johannes Hoff Thorup, who was dismissed in April.

City would be entitled to a transfer fee should any deal materialise.

Marcondes enjoyed his best Championship season at Norwich last year, netting five and assisting six in 33 matches.

That on-pitch influence, coupled with his experience in the dressing room, contributed to City sporting director Ben Knapper extending his stay at the club by activating the option in his contract.

“Emi has made a great impact since arriving here back in the autumn,” Knapper told the club’s official site back in April. “He’s contributed a lot and has become a key figure, both on and off the pitch.

“We’re pleased to secure him for another season and to continue working with him going forwards.”

Marcondes was originally drafted in to provide cover in creative positions, and has operated across midfield as well as in a false number nine on occasion. He added quality and experience to the squad, with previous Championship promotions at Brentford and Bournemouth.

Amid a need for depth at centre-back, it has been claimed that Birmingham City are among the clubs eyeing a deal for departing Wolves man Craig Dawson.

However, a deal would raise eyebrows, despite the financial feasibility of one.

A Hanley-esque signing for Birmingham City

As a 35-year-old centre-back preparing for free agency, it feels as though Dawson will fit the Grant Hanley profile of signings.

Birmingham City signed the experienced Scot from Norwich City in January, securing the services of a player with leadership, professionalism and pedigree. Dawson would fit the bill as a replacement for that, though Hanley held a covering role at St. Andrew’s.

For Dawson, who would be dropping down from the Premier League, it feels unlikely that he will be happy with a place on the fringes of a squad in a league lower. However, it also feels unlikely that BCFC would be bringing him in as a starting player.