WSL contenders Manchester City to pounce for Peamount's Tara O'Hanlon

MOVING CITY: Peamount United's Tara O'Hanlon looks set to sign for Manchester City. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

Manchester City are set to pip rivals Manchester United for the services of Peamount United’s teen sensation Tara O’Hanlon.

The 18-year-old – who won her first two senior Ireland caps in the run-up to last year’s World Cup – underwent a trial at United in August but has opted for a move to their neighbours.

City are second place in the Women’s Super League, just three points off leaders and champions Chelsea.

O’Hanlon’s capture is designed to provide cover for their European Championship winner Lauren Hemp but her versatility provides a number of options both on the left side and centrally.

The Dubliner has been sidelined with a hamstring injury incurred shortly after her visit to United last summer, forcing her to miss the second half of Peamount’s title-winning campaign.

However, no issues surfaced during the free agent’s medical to scare City off a deal which is to be concluded before Thursday’s transfer deadline.

City have former Ireland international Alan Mahon on their staff, as assistant to manager Gareth Taylor.

They previously recruited Megan Campbell and Tyler Toland following their breakthrough into the Ireland team.

Once she regains her full fitness, O’Hanlon is expected to be part of Eileen Gleeson’s squad that competes in the top tier of the European Championship qualifiers between April and July. Ireland are guaranteed at least a playoff shot at reaching their first Euros, the 2025 version in Switzerland.

Unfortunately, Peamount won’t receive financial recompense for O’Hanlon, either a transfer fee or FIFA compensation for training and development.

The FAI facilitated the introduction of professional contracts from the start of last season but Peas regained the league title with a squad full of players on amateur forms. They had lost striker Kate Mooney to Championship outfit Lewes midway through the campaign.