Wanderers have been linked with a move for Cork City defender John O’Donovan before the January transfer window shuts.

The youngster has represented the Republic of Ireland Under-18 schoolboys side and has been described as an “emerging talent”. He also won the 2022 FAI Schools Player of the Year award.

O’Donovan impressed during a recent trial at Wanderers, according to a report by The Irish Examiner.

He has been part of Cork boss Colin Healy’s pre-season plans as they prepare for the upcoming League of Ireland campaign.

Former Bolton striker Eoin Doyle has served as an unofficial scout on the Emerald Isle since his move to St Patrick’s 12 months ago.

The Whites signed Eoin Toal from Derry City over the summer and the young defender has hit the ground running in League One, becoming an important member of Evatt’s first-team squad.

Wanderers also signed Eric Yoro from University College Dublin over the summer to link up with their B Team.

Earlier this season, Evatt revealed there were a handful of young players in Ireland he had considered moves for.

Speaking in November, he said: “There have been other ones that we watched closely. The lad that came on for Fleetwood in the second half, Promise (Omochere), we watched him.

“We watched the lad that went to Lincoln, (Danny) Mandroiu. We watched the one that went to MK Dons, (Darragh) Burns.

“We’re aware of all these players, but obviously the ones that we feel will help us, we’ll progress. If we’ve got somebody in that position already that we feel is slightly better at this stage then we’ll stick with them.

“But we’re well aware of that market and there’s lots of good work between Chris (Markham) and Doyler and everyone else. Our recruitment analysts are doing some really good work.”

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