Fulham have agreed a deal to sign Irish striker Roy O’Donovan from Cork City.
The Premier League side have won the chase for O’Donovan after Southend United conceded defeat in their bid to capture the former Coventry City man.
The youngster is due to discuss personal terms with Lawrie Sanchez’s Fulham next week and will spend the remainder of the Irish season, which concludes in November, with Cork.
A statement on Cork’s official website read: “Cork City Football Club have reached verbal agreement with Fulham for the transfer of Roy O’Donovan.
“It is hoped that the transfer will be formally agreed over the next 24 hours.
“The next stage will be Roy O’Donovan travelling to Fulham early next week to discuss personal terms and to undergo a medical.
“Under the terms of the agreement, Roy O’Donovan will be loaned back to Cork City for the remainder of the present season.”
Southend have acknowledged the chance to play in the Premier League scuppered their own efforts to snare O’Donovan.
Chairman Ron Martin told the club’s official website: “We’ve been trying for a long time to bring Roy to Roots Hall, but it looks like we’ve failed.
“He’s expected to go to Fulham now which is a pity because I believe he could have been something special for this football club.
“Unfortunately the lure of the Premiership looks to have won the day.”
