If there is one position that Ireland look well set in moving forward, it's probably centre back.
Stephen Kenny's current squad has a number of quality options in that role, many of whom are only in the early stages of their careers. John Egan is now the elder statesman at the centre of the defence, with the 30-year old acting as vice captain behind Seamus Coleman.
Beyond that, the likes of Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea, and Andrew Omobamidele are hugely exciting prospects. That young trio are already well established in the squad, although there are a few more youngsters emerging at underage level that will look to make that breakthrough over the next few seasons.
One such player is now being heavily linked with a move to the Premier League.
Brighton keen to sign Ireland U21 star this summer
Johny Percy of the Daily Telegraph is reporting that Brighton have had a number of bids rejected by Derby County for Eiran Cashin this summer.
Brighton have seen at least 4 bids rejected by #dcfc this year for 21yo defender Eiran Cashin, including offers this summer, and remain interested before deadline. Derby will only consider bids of £3m+ and insist that any deal includes Cashin completing the season on loan #bhafc
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) August 16, 2023
The 21-year old has impressed at Derby over the last couple of seasons, making 43 appearances in League One in the 2022/23 campaign. Those performances have drawn the interest of a number of clubs, with Brighton throwing their hat into the ring pointing to his potential.
A native of Mansfield, Cashin qualifies for Ireland through his Leitrim-born grandmother. He first lined out in green at U18 level, earning four caps at U21 level in 2022.
He is a player that will be closely watched by Stephen Kenny, with a senior call-up in the near future not out of the question. A move to higher level would certainly help in that regard, with Brighton showing in the recent past that they are an ideal club for young players to develop at.
For a fee of £3million, he could prove to be quite the bargain.
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