Brighton close in on Cork City striker Mark O’Mahony

CROSS-CHANNEL MOVE: Mark O'Mahony of Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA U17 Championship Qualifying Round Group 5 match between Republic of Ireland and North Macedonia at Turner's Cross in Cork. Pic: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Cork City look set to lose precocious teen striker Mark O’Mahony as Brighton and Hove Albion seek to swell their Irish battalion.

The Premier League club have in the last three seasons handed first-team debuts to Aaron Connolly, Jayson Molumby, Andrew Moran and, most famously, Evan Ferguson.

Bohemians starlet Jamie Mullins was recently snapped up, starting this week’s FA Youth Cup clash against Manchester City, with O’Mahony becoming their latest burgeoning target from the League of Ireland market.

As he turned 18 last weekend, the reigning FAI U17 Player of the Year faces no restrictions in moving to the UK during this month’s transfer window.

O’Mahony first developed at Carrigaline United before moving to Cork City’s Academy, where he progressed through the age-levels to attract the eye of first-team boss Colin Healy.

Having penned his first professional contract in January, O’Mahony was handed his debut in March, going on to make eight additional outings as his hometown club stormed to the First Division title.

He’s unlikely to be around for their return to the Premier Division on February 17 against Bohemians after the Seagulls were one of the clubs to invite him on trial. Should agreement materialise, the Rebels would be entitled to a six-figure sum in Fifa compensation.

His expected departure leaves Healy with another attacking berth to fill and it could come in the unlikely form of Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf’s nephew.

Nippy left-winger Quentin Seedorf has been involved since City began pre-season training a fortnight ago and marked his first outing by scoring in Tuesday’s 2-0 friendly win over UCC.

The 22-year-old had spells at Dutch outfit Vitesse and Polish second division outfit Zagłębie Sosnowiec before coming to Leeside. He’s due to figure again on Saturday against Treaty United, a friendly switched to Bishopstown due to upgrades underway at Turners Cross.

Healy has added Ethon Varian, a loan capture from Bohemians, and ex-St Patrick’s Athletic Tunde Owolabi to the strike axis of Ruairi Keating and Cian Murphy that spearheaded their promotion charge. Additions to prepare them for the step-up are due in the coming weeks.

Former Cobh Ramblers and Shelbourne attacker Jaze Kabia is another option for City as his two-year spell at SPFL high-flyers Livingston is over.

The Corkman (22) recently had his season-long loan at Scottish Championship outfit Morton curtailed.

David Martindale, boss of a Livi side up to fourth in the table, made it clear a fresh challenge is best for Kabia and his hometown club could be the beneficiary.

He said: “Morton asked if we can take him back because they’ve got someone else they want to bring in. He’s a young player with potential but his career is probably away from Livingston if I’m honest.

"His agent’s got a few options for him. Jaze has been told that it’s in his best interests to get out playing football.”