Serie A side Lecce have signed Ireland underage international Ed McJannet from Luton Town, while another teenage Irish star is on the verge of a move to Crystal Palace.
19-year-old midfielder McJannet, who has become the latest Irishman to move to Italy, will begin life at his new club in their underage set-up.
He joins James Abankwah and Festy Ebosele, both at Udinese, Cathal Heffernan of AC Milan, Inter’s Kevin Zefi and Serie B hopeful Liam Kerrigan (Como).
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Luton confirmed the deal in a statement, saying the move was “permanent” and for “an undisclosed fee”.
McJannet has played for Ireland at Under-17, 18 and 19 levels and has captained his country.
Meanwhile, Ireland underage striker Franco Umeh was last night on the verge of a €75,000 move from Cork City to Crystal Palace.
The 18-year-old, who has been a regular on the scoresheet at international level, played first-team football last season for the Leesiders as they won promotion back to the top-flight.
City are believed to have inserted a number of lucrative add-ons into the deal to sell their promising young striker.
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