Bohemians fear losing ace midfielder Dawson Devoy to League One promotion hopefuls MK Dons.
Devoy, one of the rising stars of the League of Ireland, only signed a new Gypsies deal in December.
But there is a release clause in that contract and Dons are expected to trigger it providing Celtic swoop for their in-demand Englishman Matt O’Riley, who is also wanted by the Danish FA.
If a transfer materialises, it would be similar to Celtic’s recent acquisition of former Sligo Rovers striker Johnny Kenny.
Kenny had signed a new three-year Bit O’Red deal in November, but the SPFL giants triggered the €150,000 release clause in a transfer battle with Hibs.
Meathman Devoy, 20, is the reigning PFA Ireland ‘Young Player of the Year’ after a standout year for Bohs who reached the FAI Cup final.
That Gypsies team has since been ripped apart as Ross Tierney joined Motherwell and Rob Cornwell is now with American side Northern Colorado Hailstorm.
Former captain Keith Buckley has emigrated to Australia while the league’s top scorer Georgie Kelly is wanted by clubs in Denmark, Holland, England and Scotland.
Full-back Andy Lyons could also be a flight risk from Dalymount Park as Crewe, Plymouth, Wigan and Shrewsbury are all linked, as have Shamrock Rovers.
Bohs had hoped to keep Devoy for one more season but a move to MK Dons - who this week added Ireland Under-21 captain Conor Coventry - on loan - to their ranks - is on the cards.
Ireland striker Troy Parrott is also playing regularly for the fifth-placed League One club, having joined last summer on a season long loan from Tottenham, and so is former Bohs man Warren O'Hora.
