Scott Hogan is in fantastic form this season, and looks set to be the subject of a big money move.
The Brentford striker has 13 goals in 20 appearances in the Championship, a feat made even more impressive given he has suffered two very serious knee injuries in the past two years, and was playing in non-league football just three years ago.
Hogan’s form has attracted the attention of the Republic of Ireland management team. Both Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane have been to watch the player this season, as he qualifies for the country through his Irish-born grandparents.
The Manchester-born striker said back in October that he wanted to wait before deciding his international future, as he wanted to focus on doing well for Brentford while he continued his return from two career threatening injuries.
There have been suggestions that Hogan would be in the Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifier against Wales in March, and O’Neill reportedly had a positive meeting with his agent.
However, The Sunday Times report that Ireland’s hopes of landing the 24-year-old could be scuppered.
Hogan is reportedly set to be the subject of a £10m bid from Norwich City, who need a striker to fire them back into the Premier League after slipping to eighth place in the Championship.
The Sunday Times report that the player harbours ambitions to play for England, and a move to a Premier League team, or one who hope to be there next season, could put him in line for a call-up to the Three Lions.
“Scotty feels English and that is his number one priority” a source who is reportedly close to the player told the newspaper.
“And if he gets to the Premier League he will at least feel he is in with a chance of getting a call-up.”
The player himself hasn’t commented on speculation linking with him with a move to Norwich, or about potentially choosing England over Ireland.
Hogan may prefer to play for the country of his birth ahead of Ireland, he’s perfectly entitled to do so and no-one wants another Jack Grealish style saga.
However, it could be argued that signing for Norwich isn’t exactly going to put him in Gareth Southgate’s plans when he has Harry Kane, Daniel Sturridge and Jamie Vardy to pick from.
O’Neill could certainly use a young striker in great form though, and who knows, maybe Norwich’s Irish players, Wes Hoolahan and Robbie Brady, might persuade him to play for Ireland.
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