Irish winger on Portsmouth radar '“ but no deal imminent

Pompey are monitoring Cork City's Kieran Sadlier.
Pompey target Kieran Sadlier numbers St Mirren among former clubsPompey target Kieran Sadlier numbers St Mirren among former clubs
Pompey target Kieran Sadlier numbers St Mirren among former clubs

But it is understood the Blues are not yet close to snapping up the out-of-contract midfielder.

Kenny Jackett is once again scouring the Republic of Ireland for top talent following the success of Ronan Curtis.

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Pompey's recruitment team have shortlisted Sadlier, now a free agent following the culmination of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division season.

Some of the Fratton faithful may recall his two-goal display against Paul Cook's side while representing Sligo Rovers in a July 2016 friendly.

Appearing among 10 half-time substitutes, the attacking player struck twice in two minutes to complete a late, late comeback from the hosts and claim a 3-3 draw.

Most recently with Cork, the left-sided winger netted in the FAI Cup final defeat to Dundalk on Sunday during a farewell match.

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Sadlier, who hails from Haywards Heath, West Sussex, is currently weighing up his next move after becoming in demand.

Pompey travelled to Cork City's Turner's Cross home in July to kick-off their pre-season programme, but the former West Ham man didn't feature.

Instead the hosts mainly fielded fringe players and youngsters in the 4-0 defeat which arrived in the middle of the campaign.

That match did, however, represent the debut of Curtis, recruited from Derry City in May for an undisclosed fee.

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The forward has subsequently proven an early-season revelation at Fratton Park, with six goals and six assists from 16 Blues appearances.

It's that impressive impact which has raised the possibility of more talent ready to be plucked from the Irish game.

Sadlier, who has also been linked with Shamrock Rovers, has also seen service at St Mirren, Peterborough, Halifax and Sligo Rovers, while has earned Republic of Ireland under-21 caps.

And the 24-year-old is now on Jackett's radar, although Pompey are not near sealing a deal.