Crystal Palace are reportedly looking to sign Cork City teenager Franco Umeh.
That is according to the Irish Independent who claim Palace watched the 18-year-old in action in a behind closed doors friendly against Dundalk on Friday.
The report states that Umeh is being ‘lined up’ to follow the path of a number of talented young Irish players who have made the move to the Premier League club’s academy in recent years.
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Jake O’Brien, currently on loan at Belgian side RWD Molenbeek, joined the Eagles on loan from Cork in February 2021 before making the move permanent the following summer. Midfielder Killian Phillips joined in January 2022 from Drogheda United, making his Palace first-team debut in the Carabao Cup against Oxford United earlier this season before departing for Shrewsbury Town on loan.
Cork City recently saw young striker Mark O’Mahony join Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday (January 26) and the Irish Independent expects Umeh to follow suit amid interest from Palace.
Umeh, who turned 18 last week, has made three senior appearances for Cork, making his debut in an Irish First Division clash against Longford Town in June last year. The promising youngster has also represented Republic of Ireland at U17 and U19 level, scoring two goals in four games.
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