Norwich City have held discussions with FC Basel over a season-long loan including an option to buy for defender Timm Klose.

At present, those talks haven’t gone any further with the Swiss window running until Monday, October 12.

The international deadline scheduled for 11pm tonight wouldn’t apply unless Basel qualified for European competition - but they lost their Play-Off fixture to CSKA Sofia last month.

That means there would be nothing to prevent Klose moving to Basel after the deadline tonight given that the Swiss and UK registration windows remain open.

City would need additional cover however - although Alex Tettey did play as a makeshift defensive option in pre-season and Irish youngster Andrew Omobamidele was named on the bench against Luton Town in the EFL Cup.

Norwich Evening News: Klose limped out of City's cup defeat to Luton. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images LtdKlose limped out of City's cup defeat to Luton. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: Paul Chesterton)

Klose hasn’t featured in the Canaries previous two matchday squads and speculation amongst the Swiss press has seen his named mentioned with a return to the side where he began his career.

The Daily Mail have taken those suggestions one further and claimed the Swiss international was close to finalising a move back to the 20-time league champions for a nominal fee.

Klose is said to be lined up to replace outgoing Basel defender Omar Alderete who is heading to Hertha Berlin. The defender has two-years left on his current City deal but clearly finds himself down the pecking order.

A major knee injury saw him reduced to only seven top-flight appearances last season - all coming after football’s return following the prolonged coronavirus suspension.

Norwich Evening News: Timm Klose - could a return to Basel be on the cards? Picture: Focus ImagesTimm Klose - could a return to Basel be on the cards? Picture: Focus Images (Image: ©Focus Images Limited https://www.focus-images.co.uk +44 7813 022858)

Klose has been linked with Basel continuously during his City stay, with the Swiss club said to have made two bids at different points during his time in Norfolk.

The Swiss international began his career with Basel’s under-21 side, making 47 appearances between 2006 and 2009 before moving to FC Thun.

City have already departed with one of their central defensive options after Ben Godfrey joined Everton for a club record fee believed to be around £25million with add-ons.

Ben Gibson was added to their ranks on a season-long loan from Premier League outfit Burnley - and impressed on debut despite City losing 1-0 to Derby County on Saturday.