Leeds’ Championship rivals are reportedly on the verge of bagging Horgan’s signature.
When Leeds United were battling near the summit of the Premier League around the turn of the Millennium, there was a core of Irish players within David O’Leary’s squad who were hugely influential during that time despite arriving at Elland Road with little reputation in the English game.
The likes of Stephen McPhail, Ian Harte and Gary Kelly were important during the Whites’ journey towards the top, and that is perhaps why it is so perplexing that they appear set to allow one of the country’s hottest properties to join a Championship rival.
According to The Irish Sun, Dundalk winger Daryl Horgan is on the verge of completing a move to Preston North End when his contract with the League of Ireland side expires this month.
Dundalk’s Daryl Horgan
Horgan has been consistently impressive over the last few seasons, scoring 18 league goals across the last two campaigns.
While those sceptical about his ability may point to the standard of the Irish top flight as a reason not to pursue a move for the 24-year-old, he also featured in the group-stages of this season’s Europa League so has experience of coming up against some of the better full-backs on the continent.
And with his reportedly-imminent move to Deepdale set to cost the Lilywhites nothing in terms of a transfer fee, while he is set to pocket wages of £6,000 a week (via The Irish Sun), it could certainly be argued that his move does not represent any kind of gamble.
Though the likes of Souleymane Doukara and Hadi Sacko have impressed in recent times, while Stuart Dallas is a consistent performer in the Championship, Leeds could have perhaps done with additional depth in that area of the field, especially if they hope to maintain a serious promotion charge following their disappointing defeat to Brighton.
Daryl Horgan could have provided that depth while also following in the footsteps of those Irish players who moved to Elland Road as unproven potential and quickly established themselves as key men for the club. And if the Preston switch ultimately falls through, Leeds would be foolish not to take avantage.
A Leeds side before their game with Barcelona in 2000, which included Kelly, Harte and McPhail
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