TSG Hoffenheim agree fee with Shamrock Rovers for rising star Michael Noonan

TRANSFER NOISE: Michael Noonan of Shamrock Rovers celebrates. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Bundesliga outfit TSG Hoffenheim have had an improved third bid of an upfront €1.8m for teen sensation Michael Noonan accepted by champions Shamrock Rovers.

The club are currently third in the German top-flight and recently had two offers rejected but Rovers were tempted by a better package received in recent days closer to their €2m valuation.

Completion of the transfer is dependent on the 17-year-old’s acceptance and agreement of personal terms.

Noonan stunned St Patrick’s Athletic by moving to their Dublin rivals 12 months ago, making an instant impact by scoring against Molde to become the youngest scorer in Conference League history.

He went on to reach double-figures in all competitions as the Hoops claimed their first domestic double since 1987.

As the Ireland U21 striker doesn’t turn 18 until July, Brexit regulations prevent Noonan joining a UK club in this window but Hoffenheim can take him immediately.

Significant add-ons, including a sell-on clause, will form part of any deal.

Rovers have facilitated the increased interest in their teen star by allowing him to visit clubs, like a trip to Celtic for the Old Firm derby, and he was absent from last week’s friendlies.

If the player rejects this opportunity of moving to the continent, he can wait until the summer to join from one of several UK suitors – including Celtic and Chelsea.

Stephen Bradley’s side open their campaign on Saturday in the traditional curtain-raiser, the President’s Cup, against a Derry City bolstered by last week’s capture of James McClean.