Nottingham Forest latest suitor in the mix to land Michael Noonan

Dutch giants Ajax have followed Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim in joining the hunt for Noonan but the likelihood is him waiting until his 18th birthday on July 31 to finalise his move abroad.

Michael Noonan scored in Shamrock Rovers' 2-0 victory over Waterford on Friday. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

English Premier League side Nottingham Forest are the latest club to lodge an interest in Michael Noonan, as the Shamrock Rovers striker nears the age-level to join a UK club.

Dutch giants Ajax have followed Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim among a coterie of European clubs to hunt the Ireland U21 striker but the likelihood is him waiting until his 18th birthday on July 31 to finalise his move abroad.

Rovers agreed a fee of €1.8m with Hoffenheim in February before the player opted out at the eleventh hour. Celtic and Chelsea are long-time admirers of the forward and were prepared to wait until the Brexit threshold of 18 but now Forest have entered the frame. Former Ireland midfielder Andy Reid is part of the backroom staff there.

Although Hoops boss Stephen Bradley revealed a new contract had been brokered with Noonan and his family before the season kicked off, ambiguity exists over the duration. Bradley confirmed the terms were understandably enhanced reflecting his progress but also said he was confident that Rovers wouldn’t lose him on a free when the initial contract expiration of November arrived.

Rovers will want to keep their young striker, who scored in Friday’s 2-0 win at Waterford, around for their Champions League campaign.

That sees them open against Maltese champions Floriana on July 7 and 14, with extra ties within Uefa’s competition structure awaiting regardless of the outcome. England’s transfer window doesn’t close until September 1.

Meanwhile, Cork City’s David Meyler has returned to Hull City 12 months after joining as assistant manager. He will work with the U21 side of the Premier League newcomers after previously being involved with the U18s.