Norwich City are lining up a shock move for former Barcelona striker Maxi Lopez, according to sources in Italy, Talksport reports.

Canaries boss Chris Hughton has already brought in six new recruits this summer, including Dutch duo Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Leroy Fer, and he is now eyeing Lopez.

The 29-year-old was regarded as one of the most promising forwards in world football when he joined Barcelona in 2005 but he left the Nou Camp two years later to join FC Moscow.

He switched to Catania in 2010, but has been sent out on loan to AC Milan and Sampdoria, where he netted four goals in 17 league outings last term.

And he could now end up in England, with Hughton considering offering the Argentinian a three-year deal. Lopez, who has also spent time at River Plate, Mallorca and Gremio, is valued at around £3.5m.