Town boss Roy Keane is eyeing a season-long loan move for Sunderland youngster Conor Hourihane, according to one of this morning's tabloids, while the Chilean press continues to link the Blues with striker Eduardo Vargas.

Hourihane, 18, plays in midfield and is yet to make a senior appearance for the Black Cats. Born in Cork, Hourihan will be well known to Keane and assistant Tony Loughlan from their time at the Stadium of Light.

A Republic of Ireland U19 team-mate of Town's Ronan Murray, Hourihane, who has also won caps at U17 level, plays all across the midfield, usually centrally for the Irish side, and can also operate behind the main striker. While with Sunderland, Roy Keane gave the 5ft 9in tall youngster first team experience in pre-season friendlies.

Meanwhile in Chile, Celtic are reported to be interested in 19-year-old Cobreloa striker Eduardo Vargas, who the Blues were previously said to be chasing in the wake of his performances as the Toulon tournament.

According to the latest reports, Vargas would cost $2 million (£1.2 million).An unnamed Dutch side also continues to be linked.

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