Leyton Orient’s attempts to sign Ebou Adams permanently have been handed a boost after it was confirmed the midfielder will leave Norwich City.

The Championship side announced last week that Adams would be one of nine academy players who will be leaving Carrow Road upon the expiry of their contracts this summer.

Adams originally moved to Norwich from National League South side Dartford but never made a first-team appearance for the Canaries during his time at Carrow Road and largely featured for the club’s Under-23 team.

Norwich Academy manager Steve Weaver said: “We would like to thank all the players who are leaving the club for their hard work during their time with us.

“These decisions are never easy ones to take, but we took steps to ensure every individual knew their future at the earliest opportunity to make the process as straightforward as possible.

“We wish all those leaving the very best for their future careers.”

Having spent the first half of the season on loan with Shrewsbury Town, where he largely featured as a substitute in eight appearances for the League One club, Adams joined the O’s on loan in January and swiftly established himself as a key member of the side.

The midfielder made 19 appearances for the O’s and helped them to secure a 13th-place finish in the National League, scoring his only goal against Gateshead in the FA Trophy thanks to a superb 25-yard drive which flew into the top corner. That effort was named as the club’s Goal of the Year at Orient’s end-of-season awards two weeks ago.

The 22-year-old has been one of Orient’s most consistent performers during his time at Brisbane Road, with his energetic and combative displays in midfield endearing him to O’s fans.

Adams’ good form saw him rewarded with a call-up to the Gambia squad for their friendly against Algeria in March, but the midfielder showed his commitment to Orient by being given permission to miss the game so he could feature in the club’s 3-0 win over Woking.

Head coach Justin Edinburgh has spoken on numerous occasions about his desire to sign the midfielder permanently and as we have exclusively reported in recent weeks, we understand Adams is in talks over a move to Brisbane Road.

It would be a statement of intent from Orient should they be able to secure Adams’ signature, however, the O’s will have to act swiftly, as the midfielder has attracted interest from both Football League and National League clubs.