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19th October 2024
05:26pm BST
Manchester City are close to completing a deal for the transfer of 16-year-old Michael Noonan from St Patrick's Athletic.
Noonan has already scored three goals in his first five professional appearances for St Pat's and has scored ten in sixteen for Ireland's youth teams.
According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Noonan wants the move and the deal is close to being finalised.
🚨🔵 EXCL: Manchester City advance in talks to sign 16 year old talented striker Michael Noonan from St Patricks.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 18, 2024
Irish striker part of U17 national team is considered a talent for the future as Man City Academy keep tracking young gems for long term.
🇮🇪 Noonan wants the move. pic.twitter.com/bbGdIZwHsp
If the transfer goes through, the youngster is expected to initially join City's U18 team.
Noonan was one of the stars of St Pats' run to Leinster Senior Cup victory this season, scoring two goals in the semi-final against Maynooth before being involved in both goals in the 2-1 final victory over St. Mochta's.
Those impressive performances earned him his League of Ireland debut earlier this week as Stephen Kenny's side beat Bohemians 3-1 at Dalymount Park.
As a result of Brexit, Noonan cannot sign for any UK clubs until he turns 18 but Manchester City already seem to be laying the foundations for the young Irishman to join the ranks of the Premier League champions.
Another St Pat's prodigy, Mason Melia, was also rumoured to be of interest to City and, according to The Irish Sun, travelled to Manchester for a trial last summer.
Man City boast a world-class academy that regularly produces top-notch prospects.
Phil Foden spearheaded the youth revolution when he broke into the first team in 2017, with Oscar Bobb, Rico Lewis, and others following in his footsteps.
