Crystal Palace were a leading contender to sign Irish right winger Cathal O'Sullivan, having invited him to their training ground for a tour and to meet senior management in May, but a potential move was stopped after he suffered the second anterior cruciate ligament rupture of his career in July. The 18-year-old is now close to joining Preston North End, a club that has tracked him since his early teens and recently increased its interest. Although O'Sullivan's contract with Cork City expired on November 30, making him a free agent, his former club is due a low six-figure compensation fee for his development under FIFA rules. It is understood that O'Sullivan has agreed to personal terms on a two-and-a-half-year contract and will continue his recovery with Preston's medical team. O'Sullivan has 2 caps for the Ireland U21 national team. His current Transfermarkt market value is €125k.