Everton want David Harrington and Cork City are placing international call-up clauses in his expected move to Goodison Park.
The Toffees had a strong end to the summer window and will be delighted with most of their business.
Kevin Thelwell still needs to look for future talents though with Everton hoping to develop some real talent in the years to come.
One key target has emerged and the expected move seems to have Alan Kelly’s fingerprints all over it.
Everton want David Harrington
Echo Live reported in early September that Harrington had been the subject of a €50,000 (£42,285) bid from Everton.
The Irish Examiner then claimed that Harrington had travelled to England for talks with Everton boss Frank Lampard.
That report also suggested that Newcastle United were also looking at Harrington but Everton are leading the race.
The Irish Independent now have an update, claiming that Harrington is set to join Everton in January but a deal has been held up.
22-year-old stopper Harrington needs shoulder surgery next month so the formalities of the deal can’t be done just yet.
It’s stated that Cork City are putting international cap clauses into Harrington’s Everton deal – because they know there is a tug-of-war developing.
Harrington can play for Ireland but also Wales, and Cork have made sure that they stand to earn more money no matter who Harrington chooses to represent.
Cork want to earn cash down the line in case Harrington proves to be a star for club and country.
Everton’s interest does feel somewhat driven by Kelly, Everton’s goalkeeping coach who played for Ireland and will have ties to Cork City through his former club Preston North End, who have a very close relationship with Cork.
Harrington may well be viewed as a goalkeeper who can eventually take over from Jordan Pickford, but even just offering cover would be great for an absolute bargain addition.
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