Norwich City manager Paul Lambert has confirmed that Leon Barnett’s loan move from West Bromwich Albion is to be made permanent.

The defender who cost the Baggies £2.5m from Luton Town in 2007 was never able to prove his worth at the Hawthorns making just 45 appearances in three years.

However in just seventeen appearances at Norwich he has formed a strong partnership with Elliott Ward at the heart of the Norwich defence.

These towering defensive displays have also made the Luton born defender a fans favourite at Carrow Road as the club sit comfortably within the play off places in their first season after bouncing back from relegation.

The fans are obviously not the only admirers of the players talents with manager Paul Lambert being more than forthcoming with the superlatives when speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk.

“Leon has been colossal for us. He has become a big favourite at the club,”

These kind words have now been translated into board room action and although the value of the transfer has not been revealed however it is expected to go through at the opening of the transfer window on January 1st 2011.

The twenty five year old is primarily a central defender but has the versatility to fill in across the back line, a skill which in a competitive and financially restrained league will make him an invaluable asset for the Canaries.

A sound piece of business from the East Anglian club that unveiled its seven year plan this week an interesting read that included a promotion within three years a relegation and immediate return as the club reduces its debts and chases the dream.