Cork City intent on keeping Maguire in the face of Rovers admiration

Cork City say Sean Maguire is not for sale. Pic: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

Cork City expect to have Seáni Maguire leading their promotion charge next month despite interest in the Ireland international from Premier champions Shamrock Rovers.

Maguire returned to Leeside in August 2024 on a three-and-a-half-year contract which has two seasons left to run.

Having helped City to the First Division title, last year’s top-flight return was a disappointment.

The 31-year-old suffered a hamstring injury three games into the campaign that sidelined him for the next 11. He returned to spearhead the team’s march to the FAI Cup final but was unable to prevent another relegation.

Rovers, Derry City and Bohemians have been monitoring the situation of the 11-times capped former Ireland striker.

City remain without a manager following the shock exit of manager Ger Nash two days before Christmas. He cited personal reasons for the sudden departure but was back in the game seven days later, as assistant boss at Swedish champions Mjällby.

On Tuesday, City appointed ex-Leeds United and Sunderland boss Simon Grayson as an advisor to the board on football operations, primarily filling the managerial vacancy. Grayson was the Preston North End manager who recruited Maguire from City in 2017 but has left for Sunderland by the time the Kilkenny native moved over to England.

It’s believed that City’s position is that Maguire is not for sale, a stance conveyed to both Rovers and the player.

The Hoops possess strikeforce depth in Rory Gaffney, Aaron Greene, John McGovern and Michael Noonan but the latter could be snapped up by a UK club in the summer transfer once he turns 18 on July 31.

By clinching their fifth title in six seasons, Rovers are back in the Champions League. The first round is scheduled for early July but victory at the first hurdle guarantees at three extra ties.

Back-to-back seasons of progression to the league phase of the Conference League, the first year to the playoff stage, grossed Rovers €12m in prize-money.

Recent sales of Victor Ozhianvuna and Josh Honohan banked another €2.5m.

That warchest could convince the champions to test City’s resolve with a bid but it’s thought a six-figure offer is the only scenario whereby it will be considered.