Seamus Coleman, the Republic of Ireland international defender, is the subject of transfer interest from Bayern Munich, the Bundlesliga champions, as well as Paris Saint-Germain.
While Paris Saint-Germain’s pursuit of the Everton full back became apparent last week, the addition of Bayern Munich’s name to the chase has renewed excitement within the Irish squad, who met up last night ahead of this Friday’s European Championship qualifier against Gibraltar.
With no Irish representatives in this year’s Champions League, a Coleman transfer to either Paris or Munich would correct that issue, and, in all probability, would make him the most expensive footballer in Irish history. Robbie Keane, bought for £19 million by Liverpool from Tottenham Hotspur in 2008, currently holds that tag.
Everton, however, are reluctant to sell, although PSG were attempting to be as persuasive as possible yesterday by offering Gregory van der Wiel to Everton in addition to a £20 million cheque for Coleman.
Elsewhere, Birmingham City and Cardiff City are both believed to be contemplating a bid for Anthony Stokes, the Irish international striker, who is available for £1 million from Celtic. Stokes, who has scored 76 goals in 190 appearances for Celtic, was one of nine players cut from Martin O’Neill’s provisional squad for Friday’s qualifier. Harry Arter, Kieron Westwood, Daryl Murphy all had to withdraw with injury, while David McGoldrick, the Ipswich Town forward, was a surprise omission.
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Meanwhile Drogheda United parted company with their manager, John McDonnell, yesterday with Mark Kinsella, the former Ireland international midfelder, replacing him on a caretaker basis. Damien Richardson, who guided Drogheda to safety last season, is the club’s preferred candidate to return, although Trevor Croly, the former Shamrock Rovers and Bray Wanderers manager, is also on their shortlist.