West Ham United have reportedly beaten Celtic to the signing of Sean Moore and fellow Irishman Callum Marshall is delighted to hear that the Cliftonville starlet could be on his way to the Premier League.
The Belfast Telegraph reported last month that Moore, arguably the most exciting young talent currently plying his trade across the sea, was on his way to the London Stadium. West Ham have fought off competition from a number of clubs – Celtic among them – while stumping up a fee that could rise to £500,000 for the teenage forward.
And that is much to the delight of Marshall; a prolific 18-year-old striker who now wears claret-and-blue after leaving Linfield in January 2022.
West Ham close in on Celtic target Sean Moore
“I think I played against him when I was younger,” the West Ham prospect tells the Belgast Telegraph.
“He got Young Player of the Year (in the NIFL Premiership) which was a great achievement. And, as good as the Irish League is as a stepping stone, when you come to England and break into a team, it can be life changing.
“I would say to any young player; ‘If you are good enough, and you back yourself, then why wouldn’t you come over’?
“It’s worked out well for me! I would encourage other players to follow my path, including Sean.”
Moore has scored five goals and set up three more in Ireland’s top flight this term, despite the fact that he doesn’t even turn 18 until August. The left-footed right winger has even been likened – albeit rather unhelpfully – to a young Lionel Messi.
Moore’s former Northern Ireland youth coach admitted a couple of months ago that West Ham had made ‘an offer’. Nothing has been confirmed at this stage. But it would be a surprise if the Celtic, Newcastle and Brighton and Hove Albion did not end up joining Marshall in the English capital, reports suggesting that a deal is now close.
“(Moore is a) special talent,” Cliftonville coach Paddy McLaughlin beams. “He’s going to be a star and it’s there for all to see.
“Anybody who’s been watching our games can see that his ability is exceptional. And that’s why he’s been getting so much attention off the pitch.”
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