In one of the most shocking transfers of the summer window, Norwich City are set to lose one of their key players to local rivals Ipswich Town.

It’s been a productive window for the Canaries, with a number of new Norwich City signings through the door to strengthen Liam Manning’s squad in his first season in charge.

While results haven’t gone Norwich’s way just yet, there is a confidence that things will take shape and they will be there or thereabouts in the Championship promotion race.

But, in a blow to Manning and the fanbase, they are now poised to lose one of their most adept and experienced players to Ipswich Town.

Marcelino Nunez to cross Norfolk divide to join Ipswich Town

As per John Percy at The Telegraph, we understand Marcelino Nunez will leave Norwich City to join their fierce Norfolk rivals, Ipswich.

Percy tweeted: “Ipswich are signing Norwich midfielder Marcelino Núñez in a deal worth £10m, including £2.5m in achievable bonuses. Núñez has pushed for the move after, rejecting at least two contract offers (he becomes a free agent next summer). Norwich to sign Silkeborg’s Pelle Mattsson for £2.7m.”

This is a massive shock for both sets of fans, and marks the first direct move between Norwich and Ipswich since goalkeeper Andy Marshall left the Canaries in 2001.

Local reporter Connor Southwell added this on the situation: “This move has been pushed by Nunez and his representatives. Norwich feel it represents significant value for a player with less than 12 months left. It is the ONLY offer that Norwich have had this summer for Nunez.”

The fact that Nunez pushed for the exit will hurt Norwich fans, but it sounds like this was a last resort for all involved.

Norwich City will get a gem in Pelle Mattsson

While Norwich fans may be bitterly disappointed to lose Nunez, the bright spark in all of this is that long-term target Pelle Mattsson will finally sign for the Canaries.

We asked Danish football expert Toke Theilade about the Silkeborg star earlier this summer, and he told us Mattsson loves to do the dirty work in the middle of the pitch, is great at tackling and interceptions, and is strong in possession.

The controversial nature of Nunez’s departure aside, Norwich have bagged themselves more than £7m after the purchase of Mattsson, and have one of the most highly-rated players in the Danish league to fill the void left behind by Nunez.

He will now partner Mirko Topic in the centre of the Norwich midfield, which is a tantalising prospect. It was thought Norwich would sign Topic or Mattsson, but the fact they have both now is very exciting indeed.

We can’t tell Norwich fans not to be angry about the Nunez move, but once the dust settles this could end up being a very positive situation indeed.