NORWICH City are still technically a League One club for another few days, but they have already been tipped as more likely promotion contenders to the top flight than Ipswich Town for next term.

The East Anglian rivalry is alive and kicking again, with Paul Lambert’s Canaries seen as better bets than Roy Keane’s Town to reach the promised land of the Premier League.

That won’t sit easy with Town fans, and neither would the prospect of former Blues full-back David Wright turning out in the yellow-and-green of Norwich for next season’s local derbies.

Ditched by Keane last week, following the end of his current contract, Wright’s desire to stay in East Anglia might come to fruition if Lambert comes knocking on his door this summer.

It’s still very early days, but already next season looks like being a spicy affair. It’s certainly crunch time for Keane, who could be facing the axe himself if Town don’t get off to an impressive start in his second campaign at the helm.

Norwich, who have already raced to the League One title, with one game still to play, are quoted at 12-1 to win the Championship title by one national bookmaker, SkyBet.

In fact, only Burnley, Middlesbrough, Reading and QPR are quoted at lower odds (all 10-1), while Town are priced at 14-1, just above Portsmouth, Sheffield United and Bristol City (all 16-1).

Meanwhile, David Wright would certainly consider a move to Norwich after his three-and-a-half-year stay at Portman Road ended last week.

Following his departure, ahead of Town’s final game of the season against Sheffield United, Wright had said: “Along with the rest of the family, I love living in the area and I have loved playing for Ipswich Town.

“I already have irons in the fire for next season. I want to stay in the Championship and this is where I’m looking.”

Wright made five appearances for the Canaries during a loan stint from Wigan in late 2005. But a return for the 30-year-old would depend on Lambert’s own choice of summer targets.

Meanwhile, Town boss Keane has been linked with a move for Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop, who is unlikely to still be at the Stadium of Light next season. Keane signed Hungarian international Fulop in early 2007, during his spell as Sunderland boss.