Shamrock Rovers are eyeing up a move for Sunderland goalkeeper James Talbot, according to the Irish Sun.
The promising shot stopper is out of contract at the Stadium of Light at the end of the season and could be set for a return to Ireland.
Talbot, who is from Dublin, has been a key player for Sunderland’s development squad over the past couple of seasons and losing him on a free transfer will be a blow.
The 20-year-old first joined the Black Cats in July 2013 at Under-18 level and has worked his way up the youth ranks. He spent time on loan at National League North side Darlington to gain some first-team experience.
With Sunderland looking set for a relegation to League One, it is expected to be a summer of transition at the North-East club. They are set to greatly reduce their wage bill in order to stabilise their financial situation meaning many players will leave them this summer.
James Talbot could be one of the first out of the exit door before his Sunderland career has really begun. A move back to Shamrock Rovers could be on the cards with a new deal with the Black Cats highly unlikely.
Shamrock Rovers play their football in the League of Ireland Premier Division and would not be a bad move for Talbot. They are managed by highly-rated 33-year-old Stephen Bradley.
