Linfield's leading goalscorer Peter Thompson has seven NI caps

Norwich City have joined Stockport County in the race to sign prolific Linfield striker Peter Thompson.

The Championship outfit are believed to have tabled a bid for Thompson after contacting the Blues on Tuesday.

The offer is thought to improve the �100,000 tabled by Stockport but the League One side may yet up their bid.

Linfield boss David Jeffrey had said that talks with Stockport were at an advanced stage but the 24-year-old's future is now still in the balance.

It is unclear whether the Northern Ireland frontman will play any part in Wednesday night's Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb.

Jeffrey said on Tuesday that he was resigned to losing his top scorer.

"It would not be morally right to even think about standing in Peter's way," said manager Jeffrey.

"He has served us fantastically well and was the first to turn full-time.

"He made a career decision then and wants to play at the highest level he possibly can and he is in the final year of his contract with us.

"It will leave us with a massive hole to try to fill but he goes with our blessing and the club wants to facilitate a smooth passage for him.

Thompson, who has seven international caps, had previously been linked a possible move to Kilmarnock while Hibs and Motherwell were also reported to be interested.

It is believed Stockport have offered around �100,000 plus add-ons for Thompson.

Representatives from a number of clubs were expected to watch Thompson in Wednesday night's match with Dinamo Zagreb at Windsor Park.

Thompson netted 44 times last season to help Linfield claim a third successive league and cup double.

Jeffrey praised Stockport for the way they had handled the negotiations.

"They have been professional about it and the fact that their manager and chief executive broke off from a pre-season training trip in Italy to come to Belfast shows their desire for Peter," he added.

"Stockport have made a verbal offer which is to be followed up in writing and it will then be considered by Linfield on Wednesday."