With the domestic season in England now all but wrapped up, attentions with quickly turn to possible transfers in the weeks and months ahead. While it is always difficult to predict what might happen during the window, there is no doubt that some Ireland players will be on the move.
We have already covered where some our most notable free agents could end up, but what about those who are still under contract with their current clubs?
Below we have outlined seven Irish players that should look to move this summer in order to forward their careers.
Just to be clear, no pending free agents have been included. As well as that, youngster who are likely to be sent on loan have also been left off the list.
With all of that in mind, here are some Ireland internationals that should look to switch clubs in the months ahead.
7 Ireland players that should switch clubs
Aaron Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion)
This one is fairly straightforward. It is clear that Aaron Connolly has no future at Brighton, with the player's career dropping off to a remarkable degree over the last couple of seasons.
Following on from poor loan spells at Middlesborough and Venezia, it was hoped to a temporary switch to Hull City in January could get him back on track. However, a toe injury meant that he would feature only six times for the club and was not part of their matchday squad after mid February.
Further loan moves should not appeal to Connolly, who needs to put down proper roots at a new club if he is to reignite his career. Hull City were said to be interested in signing him on a permanent deal last month, although it is not clear if that is still the case.
Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur)
Troy Parrott's loan spell at Preston was an important one for his development, with the forward making 32 appearances in the Championship this season despite one unfortunate injury. In saying that, he did only score four goals in all competitions.
The Dubliner remains miles off being at the standard required to break into the Spurs squad, and considering that he is now 21-years old, a permanent departure may be best for all parties.
Parrott has been sent to a couple of loan clubs that really did not suit him and should look to choose his next team carefully if he is to come anywhere near to fulfilling his obvious potential.
Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool)
Despite playing very little football, Caoimhín Kelleher has made some remarkable strides in his game over the last few seasons. He is now a much more well-rounded goalkeeper than the one we saw play for Ireland at U21 level.
Much of that development has been down to the top class coaching available to him at Liverpool. However, at 24-years old, he should be looking to make the next step in his career.
It has been said that the Cork man wants to get a run in first team football next season, with Liverpool reportedly looking for a fee of around £25million if they are to sanction a sale. Spurs, Brighton, and Brentford have been credited with an interest in his services.
Such a move would no doubt massively boost his chances of becoming no.1 for Ireland.
Jeff Hendrick (Newcastle United)
It has already been confirmed by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe that Jeff Hendrick would be on his way out this summer, with the player having one-year remaining on his contract. There was never any prospect of the midfielder featuring again at St James' Park.
A release from his contract seems likely, at which point Hendrick would have complete control over his next destination. He impressed at times while on loan at Reading this season and another move to the Championship seems most likely.
Jason Knight (Derby County)
Jason Knight is too good to be playing in League One. That was clear before this season and there is no way he can justify staying in the third tier for another campaign.
At 22-years old, he needs to be taking the next step in his career. He has been linked with a number of Premier League sides in the past, although those rumours have died down since Derby's relegation from the Championship.
A move to a club in the second tier seems most likely, although seem insistent that they want to keep hold of him. With only 12 months remaining on his contract, their hand could be forced if a half decent offer comes their way in the months ahead.
Mark Travers (Bournemouth)
This season looked like it would be a big one for Mark Travers. Having helped Bournemouth to promotion to the Premier League, he started the campaign as their no. 1. However, some mixed performances and the arrival of Raul Neto from Barcelona meant that he was soon consigned to backup status.
With the Brazilian now captaining the team and unlikely to go anywhere after the team avoided relegation, Travers might be wise to look for a new club this summer.
You would imagine that he would draw interest from a number of Championship sides should he become available. A permanent transfer might be best for him at this point, although a loan deal could also work if Bournemouth insist on keeping him on the books.
Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich City)
This is the most controversial choice on this list.
Andrew Omobamidele has cemented his status as a key man at Norwich City, performing very well this season and captaining the club on a number of occasions. While being guaranteed to play each week in the Championship is an attractive prospect, he should look to move up the footballing ladder if he gets a chance this summer.
Norwich are said to have rejected an offer in excess of £20million for his services in January, with a number of clubs still interested in signing him this off-season. AC Milan and Nottingham Forest are two clubs that have been linked in recent times, both of which would represent a sizeable step up for the Leixlip native.
A move to the Serie A giants would be a hugely exciting prospect, although a transfer to the Premier League should also pique his interest.
Considering his injury issues and how quickly things can change in football, he should jump at the chance to move in the months ahead if it is available.
SEE ALSO: Roy Keane Throws Jab At Alex Ferguson For Missing 2000 Manchester Derby
