Republic of Ireland Under-19 international Cathal Heffernan has reportedly sealed a move to Newcastle United from AC Milan, while Jake O'Brien has left Crystal Palace for Olympique Lyonnais.
Corkman Heffernan is believed to have had a medical at the St James' Park club on Tuesday and will make the switch from the Italian giants to the north-east of England.
🇮🇪 Newcastle have signed highly-rated Irish defender Cathal Heffernan from AC Milan, he will initially link up with the Magpies' Under-21s squad.
— Magpie 24/7 (@Magpie24_7) August 15, 2023
Welcome to Newcastle United 🖤🤍#NUFC #NUFCFans #Newcastle pic.twitter.com/PUvk2EbjTD
Heffernan moved to Milan from the Cork City academy early last year. He had impressed in pre-season friendlies for the Toon's Under-21 side. Newcastle have also recently signed Sandro Tonali from the San Siro club.
Another former Cork City man, O'Brien, who also plays as a central defender, has signed a four-year deal with Ligue 1 side Lyon.
O'Brien spent last season on loan at Belgian side Molenbeek who he helped win the Second Division title. He can become the second Irish international to play for the club after Mick McCarthy in the 1989/90 season.
The 22-year-old will be playing under the tutelage of France's 1998 World Cup winning centre-half, Laurent Blanc, who is head coach at Lyon.
👋 Welcome @obrienjake_ 🔴🔵
— Olympique Lyonnais 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@OL_English) August 15, 2023
The 🇮🇪 Irish centre-back joins OL until 2027 🤝 #OBrien2027 pic.twitter.com/3ysHOodEcz
