Eighteen-year-old Irish right winger Cathal O'Sullivan is close to moving to Preston North End, following speculation about his future after he began performing well for Cork City and Ireland's underage teams, for whom he has two caps at U21 level. FA Cup winners Crystal Palace had previously shown interest, inviting him to their training ground in May, but an anterior cruciate ligament rupture in July prevented any immediate move. Preston, one of the first English clubs to track O'Sullivan in his early teens, have recently shown more interest. The player's contract with Cork City expired on November 30, making him a free agent. He attended a match at Deepdale as a guest on December 20 and has since spent more time with the club. It is believed O'Sullivan has agreed to personal terms on a two-and-a-half-year contract, which will allow him to continue his injury recovery with Preston’s medical team. While Cork City's right to a transfer fee ended when he became a free agent, they are due compensation for training and development, understood to be a low six-figure sum. Although April has been suggested as a possible month for his return to playing, the club aims to have him ready for the start of next season. His current Transfermarkt market value is €125k.