Leicester City’s ‘Fearless’ Teenage Transfer Target ‘Has Blown Scouts Away’
Leicester City are set to battle it out with Championship rivals Stoke City and Premier League outfit Everton for Northern Irish starlet Dylan Sloan, according to Football Insider.
Sloan is currently with Larne in the NIFL Premiership but has already had experience out on loan at Knockbreda and Newry City. However, this season, the 19-year-old has become an important member of the squad and has bagged two goals in 12 appearances for the Inver Reds, as per Transfermarkt.
The youngster’s excellent performances in his native country have drawn attention from clubs in England, with Leicester, Stoke and Everton keeping tabs on his progress across the Irish Sea. All have sent scouts to compile dossiers on the player.
Football Insider have also reported that the Northern Ireland U19 international has “blown their scouts away” and that each club are weighing up making a move for Sloan once the January transfer window opens in a few weeks.
Sloan has even made his debut in the UEFA Champions League after Larne’s match against HJK Helsinki in the summer. The Belfast Telegraph revealed that the young midfielder put in a Man of the Match display.
Speaking after the European bout a few months ago, Larne head coach Tiernan Lynch called Sloan ‘fearless’:
“It’s a process with Dylan, and there will be ups and downs. He was fearless on his European debut, very brave and our Man of the Match; it’s something he can build on and go from strength to strength.”
Sloan himself has also admitted that he wants to reach the very highest level in football:
“I want to reach the highest level possible, but nothing is guaranteed.
“I need to keep my head down, and Larne has given me a great first step. Hopefully, I can get 30 games under my belt this season and kick on.”
Writer’s View
Soon, Sloan will be placed into a situation where a lot of talented youngsters find themselves stuck, choosing between the glitz and glamour of Premier League life or opting for a club where his mind is solely focused on developing.
Too many times, youngsters pick the former and wind up in an academy system well past their sell-by date. Perhaps it would be wise to seek a loan move back to Larne until the summer should one of Everton, Leicester and Stoke secure his services to avoid any rust.
