Roy O'Donovan

ROY O’DONOVAN’S move to Fulham will command a record transfer fee for a League of Ireland player.

While Cork City sources were remaining tight-lipped last evening about the price of their star-man, it has become clear that O’Donovan’s future will lie at Craven Cottage.

Negotiations have entered their final phase, but it emerged last night that O’Donovan will move to London for a record price.

It is believed to be a package worth in the region of €750,000.

As of last evening, there was no final deal struck between the two negotiating parties primarily due to the time difference between Cork and Hong Kong, where the Cottagers are currently based.

“Because Fulham are currently in the Far East it has been difficult to conduct contract negotiations, but a deal is close to being finalised,” said a Cork City spokesman last night.

The last League of Ireland player to break the transfer record was former Cork City defender Alan Bennett, 25, who moved to Reading on a two and half year deal last January.

Bennett moved to the Premiership side for an undisclosed fee, but it was believed to be in the region of €450,000.

O’Donovan’s move will leave a huge chasm in the City side as the forward has notched 20 goals (13 league) already this season.

It is not certain whether O’Donovan will line out in City’s eircom Premier Division clash with St Pat’s tomorrow night because of a hamstring problem.

If he does play, it may well be his farewell game for the Leesiders before he begins a new life in the Barclays Premier League.