Championship trio Leeds United, Preston North End and Boro have reportedly been keeping tabs on Irish winger Neil Farrugia.
Neil Farrugia has a history when it comes to turning down clubs in England.
As reported by the Irish Independent, the highly-rated winger spurned the chance to join Queens Park Rangers last summer. And he looks set to repeat the trick with Middlesbrough’s pursuit of the 20-year-old UCD starlet destined to end in disappointment.
Leeds United and Preston North End have also been tracking the youngster but they too will miss out.
One of the brightest talents in Irish football looks ready to make the trip across the sea after standing out in his 11 appearances for UCD last season.
The Independent reports that Middlesbrough, Leeds and Preston had hopes to lure Farrugia to the Championship. Boro, a club now led by Jonathan Woodgate, need to add some pace and creativity to a one-paced and often toothless forward line.
But Farrugia knows that he has plenty of time on his side.
And it is claimed that he has agreed to join Shamrock Rovers instead, a move which will allow him to compete his studies in Biomedical Science over in Ireland.
While some might suggest that he is making a mistake not grabbing this chance with both hands, Farrugia will not be short of offers this time next year if he continues to progress elsewhere. A Leeds side who are always on the lookout for exciting young talent will surely continue to keep tabs on him.
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