Cork trio in line for moves ahead of transfer deadline

Preston North End are in pole position to sign their former captain Alan Browne from Middlesbrough

Leeds United and Crystal Palace are both interested in Everton's Jake O'Brien. Pic: David Davies/PA Wire.

Alan Browne, Jake O’Brien and Chiedozie Ogbene are all in line for transfers ahead of Tuesday night’s 11pm English Premier League deadline.

Browne is on his way out of Sunderland as he enters the last season of his three-year contract.

Preston North End, the club he spent a decade at after joining from Cork City in 2014, are in pole position to re-sign their former captain amid competition from other Championship outfits.

The 31-year-old left Deepdale as captain, rejecting a contract offer to join Sunderland’s promotion tilt that ended successfully in the 2024 playoff final.

A summer splurge by the Premier League newcomers was ominous for the Corkman as 12 months he left for north-east neighbours Middlesbrough in search of gametime.

Another march to the playoff final unfolded during his season-long loan that saw him feature 42 times but on this occasion at Wembley they missed out to Hull City.

The midfielder had figured for the Black Cats during a pre-season for a campaign that includes European football but the fact Browne wasn’t named among the 20-player matchday squad for Saturday’s draw against Fulham spoke volumes as to his status.

“We'll have the same conversation like we had last season," Le Bris told the Northern Echo about the Leesider’s future as the deadline loomed.

"Alan is a really good professional and strong teammate, even if he didn't have game-time at the beginning of the season. But for every player we need to find the right journey."

Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom will welcome the club legend with open arms, eager to arrest their alarming start to the season. They are pointless after three games heading into Tuesday’s visit of Bristol City.

Other ex-Cork City players O’Brien and Ogbene are also in need of fresh challenges.

Everton manager David Moyes emphasised over the weekend no bids for O’Brien were received but the fact he’s failed to grant a minute on the pitch over three matches so far this term indicates the Scot is planning without him.

The versatile defender is in much demand, with interest from Leeds United and his former club Crystal Palace likely to keep him in the top-flight.

Ogbene will likely depart Ipswich Town’s quest for Premier League survival. Tractor Boys boss Gary O’Neill faces a busy close to the window, with the flying winger not part of his immediate plans.

Championship clubs Derby County and Stoke City are keen to broker a deal for the 29-year-old. His fellow Irish international Jack Taylor may also be moved on as part of the deadline day attrition at Portman Road.