Former Bohemians boss Roddy Collins may be on the verge of signing Irish U-21 international Michael Reddy on a year-long loan for his new club Carlisle United.
Twenty year-old Reddy is currently on the books of Sunderland, for whom he has made 10 Premiership appearances, but he spent most of last season on loan to Swindon, where his electric pace helped him notch 5 goals in 20 games.
An ankle injury will prevent him from taking part in Friday’s U-21 international against Holland, but the former Kilkenny winger is using his convalescence to reflect on offers from at least five English clubs.
A spokesman for Carlisle, Mr. Steven Barker, today told ireland.com "he seems to be favouring a move to us at this point, but he won’t be making a final decision until his injury clears up".
Collins has already failed in bids to persuade Glen Crowe, Kevin Hunt, and Shaun Maher to follow him from Bohs to Carlisle, and also in an attempt to coax another Irish U-21 star, Richie Partridge, on loan from Liverpool. And though he has signed five new players since taking over in August, including former Northern Ireland U-21 midfielder Maurice Harkin, he is still "scouring the lands" for midfielders and strikers.
"He’s been talking to several players already including some well-known, experienced names," said Barker, "but he’s keeping his cards close to his chest in case anyone else comes in for them before they sign for us".
Carlisle have scored just one goal in their four league games so far this season, and face league leaders Rochdale on Saturday.