Leeds keen to bring in Lafferty as Evans calls on Canaries

The 28-year-old is out of favour at Norwich City and has made just two appearances despite being largely responsible for Northern Ireland qualifying for Euro 2016.

Steve Evans is hoping the Canaries may be willing to loan Lafferty, who netted seven goals in nine qualifying appearances for next summer’s finals, to the Championship club.

“I don’t know Kyle Lafferty but I didn’t like him when he played for Glasgow Rangers because he always gave Glasgow Celtic a problem,” said the Leeds head coach, whose side take on Wycombe Wanderers in a friendly tonight.

“And I didn’t like him last season when he came on and changed the game against Rotherham (for Norwich). He is good friends with Stuart (Dallas), he has done terrifically well for Northern Ireland and I have placed a call into (Norwich manager) Alex Neil just to ask what the situation is.

“It was just a call to ask about the availability of one or two players that Alex has. Alex is a friend and when he gets a minute and a decision he will call me.

“Lafferty is a good player but does it mean we can bring him to Elland Road and is he the first person we want in the door?

“They are all questions that will remain private but Kyle Lafferty is a lad that whatever happens, and I am being totally neutral here as I have never spoken to the kid, he needs to be playing first team football if he is going to the Euros in the summer.”

Lafferty’s situation could be complicated by Gary Hooper recently leaving Norwich for Sheffield Wednesday on loan.

Evans, meanwhile, has laughed off reports that David Moyes is wanted by Steve Parkin if the haulage magnate is able to strike an investment deal with owner Massimo Cellino.

He added: “I was pleased to see David linked with it and not Jose Mourinho though I think all the ladies in Leeds would like Jose Mourinho to be the coach.

“I have said I am not going to get involved in any off-the-field matters. I saw big Moyesy has been linked with it. I grew up playing with him and we are distant friends if I can use that phrase appropriately.

“All I can do is try and win football matches for this club and if you are winning football matches on a regular basis for this football club you will be the first to do it in a long time.”