Town’s move for young Shelbourne winger Dylan Connolly is in doubt, according to a report in Ireland.
The Blues were previously reported to be ready to offer the out-of-contract 19-year-old an 18-month contract during this transfer window but, according to the Irish Herald, issues relating to the training compensation due to Home Farm and Bohemians, where Connolly played prior to his time with Shelbourne, are currently preventing the move from going through.
Under FIFA rules when a young player moves between national associations compensation is due to all the clubs who have trained him between the ages of 12 and 21.
Connolly was one of three Shels players who spent time on trial with Town in the summer, featuring in the pre-season friendly at Braintree, along with defender Ryan Robinson and midfielder Adam McDonnell, 17, who joined the Blues in August.
McDonnell is still to play a competitive game for the Blues at any level as he is yet to receive international clearance. A number of young players at other clubs also find themselves in the same position with FIFA having recently tightened the rules relating to youngsters moving abroad.
Irish U21 international Connolly was a regular for Shelbourne’s first team as they finished second in the Airtricity League First Division (second tier) during the 2014 season, making 27 appearances and top scoring for the Dublin side with 12 goals.
He was named in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year and nominated for the PFAI Young Player of the Year award.
With the Town move having hit a stumbling block, Drogheda United and other League of Ireland sides are said to be keen on adding Connolly to their ranks ahead of their new season.
Meanwhile, The Sun is again linking Tyrone Mings with a £4 million switch to Newcastle.
Quizzed on claims of Magpies interest in Mings last week manager Mick McCarthy said the Blues had received no approaches and reiterated that no one would be sold in January: "We’re not getting shot of any of our players. We want to be in the mix for promotion at the end of the season.”
The Blues, who turned down a £3.5 million offer for the left-back from Crystal Palace in the summer, are understood to value Mings at more than £10 million.