The draw to go back to the area has been strong despite Manning leading Bristol City to sixth in the Championship, losing in the play-off semi-finals to Sheffield United.
Manning, 39, joined the Robins from Oxford in November 2023 having previously managed MK Dons and Lommel in Belgium.
Former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil and ex-Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders were also spoken to and considered by the Canaries.
They sacked Thorup in April and put first-team coach Jack Wilshere in temporary charge but opted against giving Wilshere his first head coach role after the Canaries finished 13th in the Championship.
