By:
Mark Hendry
Billy O’Neill is on the verge of an exit from Bray Wanderers to move to the Bristol City.
The Irish teen sensation, Pundit Arena understands, is set to undergo a medical this week.
O’Neill, 17, has been on the shortlist of numerous clubs this window given his age and talent.
But it is The Robins who have won the race to land the kid and he’ll have his tests done before the weekend.
O’Neill found the back of the net 11 times for Bray last season.
He also chipped in with 12 assists in the same number of matches – 34 – and that brought him to the attention of bigger clubs around the UK.
City faced some competition from Premier League clubs who had interest.
Billy O’Neill set for Bristol City medical
But now they will look to complete the signing of the player for what would be a nominal fee.
O’Neill’s contract with Wanderers is set to expire at the end of the year which forces their hand.
In order to land as much cash as possible, a sale has to go through sooner rather than later.
It’s unlikely O’Neill will become an immediate success story at Ashton Gate Stadium.
More likely he will be a player for the future who may be in and around first-team fringes.
City are chasing promotion to the Premier League this term and currently sit seventh in the division.
At least a playoff spot will be sought by manager Gerhard Struber this season.
O’Neill has represented Republic of Ireland at youth level throughout his young career thus far.
He played for the under-15s, 16s and 17s and will be hopeful of adding more caps to his name.
The kid helped the under-17s secure a spot at the World Cup last year for the first time ever.
He is considered one of the top young Irish talents in the country right now.
Irish starlets earn transfer interest from UK clubs
He won’t be the only youngster who leaves League of Ireland this window, though.
We at Pundit Arena exclusively told you how Adam Brennan is wanted at Shamrock Rovers.
Crystal Palace in the Premier League also like the attacker, as do Hull City.
Elsewhere there is interest in Cian Doyle abroad, too.
Doyle is on trial with Standard Liege right now in what would be an incredible switch for the midfielder.
That would likely come as another blow to Bray Wanderers with two starlets set to depart.
But they won’t be the only disappointed club in LOI, either.
Dundalk face losing one of their top young assets.
Celtic like Vinnie Leonard and hope to secure a deal for the 17-year-old full-back.
But Brighton and Palace are also in the race.
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