Shamrock Rovers swoop for St Pat's prodigy and Man City target Michael Noonan

Michael Noonan in action for Ireland during a Uefa U17 European Championships qualifier against Lithuania at Inver Park in Larne, Antrim. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Shamrock Rovers are set to prise teen sensation Michael Noonan from rivals St Patrick’s Athletic in one of the most significant transfer swoops of the League of Ireland off-season.

Noonan was hot property even before he made his Saints debut at 15, with Manchester City inviting himself and his family to a match and tour of their training ground, but he’ll sign his first professional contract with Rovers.

The switch – in the offing for the last number of weeks – will come as a major blow to Stephen Kenny’s Saints.

Due to Noonan declining to move from amateur status as his stock rose in recent months, Pat’s won’t be entitled to a portion of any future transfer fee, should – as expected – the tyro transfer cross-channel after his 18th birthday.

Hoops boss Stephen Bradley is seeking attacking reinforcements after on-loan striker Johnny Kenny returned to his parent club Celtic this month. Kenny made his debut for the Scottish club on Saturday, stepping off the bench as a 73rd minute replacement for Adam Idah in a 4-1 victory over Ross County. 

As well as mounting a challenge to regain their title from next month, Rovers also have a playoff for the last-16 of the Uefa Conference League against Norwegian outfit Molde on February 13 and 20.

That European run has grossed Rovers €6m and it’s believed the package offered to Noonan is unprecedented in value for a 16-year-old.

Pat’s were prepared to match the financials but with fellow teen Mason Melia ahead of Noonan in the queue it was felt a more immediate pathway was accessible at Rovers.

Tottenham Hotspur are clear favourites to land 17-year-old Melia later this year in a deal set to be record-breaking seven-figure fee for a League of Ireland player.

The striker has visited the London club to meet with the hierarchy but will begin the season with Saints and feature in their summer Conference League campaign.

Both Noonan’s dad Andy and grandfather John were involved in the League of Ireland previously. The family are long-time season-ticket holders at Rovers.

While Noonan is arriving at Tallaght, Rovers are set to lose another prospect as 17-year-old Ade Solanke is in advanced talks to join Bournemouth.