Nottingham Forest 'to join' chase for Shamrock Rovers striker Michael Noonan ahead of 18th birthday | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest are reported to have joined the chase for Shamrock Rovers striker Michael Noonan, with interest expected to build as he nears his 18th birthday.

The Irish Examiner claims British clubs, previously prepared to wait until the post-Brexit threshold, will now face competition from Forest, where former Ireland midfielder Andy Reid is coach.

Noonan turns 18 on July 31, the age at which, post-Brexit, players can move from the Republic of Ireland to UK clubs. He would not require a work permit.

The teenager has been tracked by Chelsea, Manchester City, Celtic, Ajax and Hoffenheim. The Bundesliga club were said to have had a £1.5m fee agreed with Rovers earlier this year before the player opted to stay.

Rovers are in no rush to sell as they prepare for a Champions League campaign, facing Maltese champions Floriana on July 7 and 14.

Noonan progressed at St Patrick’s Athletic before joining Rovers last year. Head coach Stephen Bradley has hailed him as one of the country’s standout young talents, praising his all-round game, strong mentality, work ethic and ambition to improve.

Source: Nottingham Post