Well, the secret's out now. Ireland's very fine Euro 2016 campaign has shown that we have a few very handy footballers, players who have been courting interest from top-level clubs. Earlier today, we brought you the fascinating news that Jeff Hendrick has been linked with a move to Galatasaray. While it would be intriguing, we're not sure if a move to Turkey for the midfielder. (He would be the first Irish international ever to play in Turkey). Here is where we think Hendrick, along with a number of other Irish players, should end up over the summer.
Jeff Hendrick
He should join: Galatasaray would be fascinating, but the fact they value Hendrick at just £2 million means Derby are unlikely to accept their valuation. Hendrick looked best playing as a slightly advanced midfielder in a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 at the Euros, so Alan Pardew's commitment to playing with wingers at Palace may not suit him. Also, given Palace's awful end to last season - FA cup final appearance notwithstanding - Pardew might not be there for much longer. Hell, they might give him the England job. Therefore, a move to one of the promoted clubs would suit, with Hull probably the best bet.
Robbie Brady
Linked with: Brady has been linked with moves to Southampton, West Brom, Hull City and Sunderland but looks set to join Premier League champions Leicester City in a £12 million deal.
He should join: Leicester. Any opportunity to see an Irish player in the Champions League is to be encouraged. The Euros have shown Brady is of better use to Ireland as an attacking midfielder rather than at left-back, and Christian Fuchs' secure position at left-back means we are likely to see Brady challenge Marc Albrighton for his spot on the left-wing.
Darren Randolph
Linked with: Nobody. (Yet).
He should join: You feel Randolph thinks he isn't too far off taking the West Ham number 1 jersey from Adrian, with the Spaniard increasingly error-prone as the season wore on. Perhaps Slaven Bilic has been sufficiently impressed by Randolph while working as a pundit to drop Adrian, but in the event he doesn't, Randolph will need to get first-team football to keep Keiren Westwood's performances out of Martin O'Neill's consciousness. Premier League level would be ideal, and we see Randolph slotting in at Bournemouth rather well. He's miles better than the hapless Arthur Boruc.
Shane Duffy
Linked with: Duffy has been linked with a move to join the Rodgers Revolution at Celtic, along with West Brom and Crystal Palace since making his home international debut in March.
He should join: The temptation to join Rodgers in European competition may prove too tempting to turn down, but Dejan Lovren seems to still be suffering the post-traumatic stress of being part of a Rodgers defence, so it may not be the best move for his long-term development. Staying put at Blackburn may not prove the worst idea in the world: he has developed a leader in a squad that will push for promotion next season. It's also a chance to get used to playing with his future world-class international teammate, Jack Byrne.
Shane Long
Linked with: A move to Merseyside. Everton have been mooted in recent weeks, and Long was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in January, although we understand that Jurgen Klopp did not sanction an official bid.
He should join: Should Romelu Lukaku fulfill his father's wish for him to get the hell out of Everton, Long's reunion with Ronald Koeman would be no bad thing. Koeman clearly likes Long, and adapted his style of play to suit him last season, picking him as first choice striker ahead of Graziano Pelle. While Long would ideally suit Jurgen Klopp's style of play, he may struggle to establish himself as first choice at Liverpool.
Elsewhere...
If Seamus Coleman does indeed have a chance of joining Bayern Munich, as was reported earlier this season, he should jump at the chance. Ciaran Clark has been linked with a move to West Brom, and it is an opportunity he should take. Richard Keogh has consistently bounced back from disappointment at Derby, expect him to do so again next season. Stephen Ward is looking forward to a Premier League return with Burnley, and Glenn Whelan has Giannelli Imbula to see off in the Stoke midfield. James McCarthy has the exciting opportunity to experience coaching in England from someone other than Roberto Martinez, whilst namesake McClean is a favourite of Tony Pulis at West Brom.
It is difficult to see a path back to the Premier League for Wes Hoolahan, given many managers' often misplaced distrust of age and size. Aiden McGeady and Darron Gibson need to find first-team football away from Everton, while Daryl Murphy will likely get another season at Ipswich.
