Sources: Stoke charge ahead of Blackburn in race for Brighton starlet Andrew Moran after both sides enter talks
TEAMtalk understands Stoke City are frontrunners to sign Brighton & Hove Albion’s Andrew Moran, despite interest from Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers.
Moran is a 19-year-old attacking midfielder who can also operate as a winger on either flank. He represents the Republic of Ireland U21s at international level and has won five caps for them, scoring one goal in that time.
Moran joined the Brighton academy from Republic of Ireland side Bray Wanderers in 2020 and soon started to impress at his new club. Indeed, his stellar performances in the Brighton youth setup resulted in Manchester United and Chelsea taking a look at him.
Brighton have managed to keep hold of the starlet so far though, and TEAMtalk exclusively revealed in April that he had penned a new long-term deal with Roberto De Zerbi’s team.
The Seagulls have made Moran available for loan and are currently weighing up his options. They want to find a club who will help him take the next step in his development.
On June 20, TEAMtalk exclusively reported that Blackburn had begun the process of trying to sign Moran. They entered discussions with Brighton to try and beat several other Championship clubs to the teenager’s services.
But now, TEAMtalk has been told Stoke have joined the race by initiating contact with Brighton as well. And, in a major setback for Blackburn, Alex Neil’s side are now the frontrunners to sign Moran on loan for the 2023-24 campaign.
Stoke are hopeful of tying up a deal for Moran, which will make him their third new arrival of the summer. They have already captured left wing-back Enda Stevens on a free transfer following his release by Sheffield United and brought in Ben Pearson on a permanent deal. Pearson’s move comes after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Stoke from Bournemouth.
