GLENN Roeder's hopes of extending Martin Taylor's stay at Carrow Road have been given a boost, according to the Eastern Daily Press.

Paddy Davitt reports that Taylor, currently on-loan from Birmingham City, could see his first team chances at St Andrews further hindered after new boss Alex McLeish revealed he was looking for defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window.

Taylor's loan spell with the Canaries is set to end after Saturday's game with Sheffield United at Carrow Road (kick off 3pm), and there is little doubt the home fans would love to see the man they call 'Tiny' at the Club for longer.

City boss Glenn Roeder said he planned to have talks with Taylor this week about his future.

And if his opposite number at Birmingham decides to look elsewhere for defensive cover, it could open the door for Taylor to extend his loan spell at the very least.

"I would like to bring in trusted players," said McLeish, revealing he was keen to make one of his own loan players a permanent signing, in the form of Arsenal man Johan Djourou.

"It just depends if the target is available or if we can afford the target. There is no doubt I would like to bring in players I have worked with or players I have seen that I would like to work with.

"We definitely have things down on paper. I would hope to get value for money. I know it can be done and we have to spread the net as far as possible."

Keeping Taylor for longer than his initial one-month loan would act as a huge boost for City's survival hopes. There is no doubt the towering 6ft 4in presence of Taylor has given Norwich's back four a more solid appearance, while also providing a threat in the opposition's box.