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

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

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.