Cork City accept bid for Lenihan

Cork City have this morning confirmed that they have accepted a bid (believed to be from Brighton & Hove Albion) for defender Brian Lenihan.

The move comes after manager John Caulfield yesterday confirmed that Lenihan would be departing in the coming days.

“I would expect probably that after Friday night that Brian Lenihan would have played his last match for Cork City.”

A host of cross-channel clubs have been in the hunt for the Republic of Ireland under 21’s signature, and despite interest from Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Aston Villa, it is Brighton manager Sami Hyypiä who appears to have gotten his man. Hull City are also thought to be very keen on the full back.

The former College Corinthians player’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season but because he is under 23, Cork City are entitled to a compensation figure. It is believed that the package agreed is a little less than any compensation figure the club could have gotten, but will include various add-ons that could see the Rebel Army benefit as his career progresses.

Originally a central midfielder, the 20 year old has featured prominently for the Rebel Army at right back ever since a shortage of fullbacks in a pre-season friendly with Longford Town saw John Caulfield give him a run in his new position.

Speaking in the club match programme City Edition recently, Lenihan confirmed that he would relish the opportunity of testing himself at a higher level.

“I think every young player in the league of Ireland if you ask them, it doesn’t matter what club they’re with but they would say that they eventually want to play in England and I’m no different. I want to play in England and I want to play at the highest level possible, but at the moment I’m extremely happy playing with Cork City and the fact that we’re up near the top of the table and there’s a buzz around the place, I’m extremely happy and lucky to be involved in it.”

If he does sign for Hyypiä’s men, Lenihan will not be the first Corkman to be on the books at Brighton & Hove Albion however as centre back Derek Coughlan had a spell with The Seagulls in the 90s before joining Cork City.

Cork City have also stated that they will not be making any further comment on the matter at this time as they focus their attention fully on tomorrow night’s FAI Ford Cup tie with Bohemians.