We haven't seen too many Ireland players make moves in the transfer market so far during the current transfer window, although there is no doubt that things are set to heat up in the weeks ahead.
Dara O'Shea to Burnley has been the most eye-catching transfer confirmed so far, with Nathan Collins also set to join Brentford for an Irish record £23million fee. The likes of Andrew Omobamidele and Jason Knight have also been linked with moves. All of this is without even mentioning the Irish players that have been released by their clubs.
In short, you can expect plenty of deals to get over the line over the next couple of months.
Quite a few of these are likely to involved young emerging players. Many of them will leave on loan in search of first team football, while others could also take the next step in their careers with a permanent move.
It seems one such deal is currently in the offing.
Ireland U21 international set for Championship move
Multiple sources, including Sky Sports, are reporting that Ireland U21 winger Alex Gilbert is set to join Middlesbrough on a permanent deal. It is is thought he will command a transfer fee of up to £1million.
A native of Birmingham, Gilbert came through the ranks at West Brom before joining Brentford in 2020. However, he has made only a couple of FA Cup appearances for the club, with his only other first team experience on loan at Swindon Town in the 2021/22 season.
The player has earned six caps for Ireland at U21 level, the last of which came in 2021.
Despite having yet to make a senior breakthrough at Brentford, the club were keen for him to sign a new deal this summer after being named Player of the Year in their 'B' team last season. Gilbert rejected the opportunity to do so, with the likes of Nottingham Forest and Wolves reportedly interested in signing him.
He is out of contract this summer, although Brentford will be due compensation should he leave due to his age. The Daily Mail report that this figure will be around £600,000, potentially rising to £1million.
Middlesbrough have apparently won the race for his signature. The team played some exciting football after the appointment of Michael Carrick as manager last season, showing the ability to develop young players. That is something that no doubt appealed to the Irishman when selecting his next club.
He will hope to get a sustained run in the side next season. At 21-years old, it is time for him to make an impact in senior football.
Should he thrive while doing so, it will be an exciting prospect for Ireland fans.
SEE ALSO: It's 50 Years Since Brazil Faced The Closest Thing We've Had To An All-Ireland International Team
