Sources: Stoke charge ahead of Blackburn in race for Brighton starlet 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, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder who can play on either wing, can also play as a winger. He has five caps for the Republic of Ireland U21s and one goal in that time, and he represents them internationally.
In 2020, Moran transferred from Bray Wanderers of the Republic of Ireland to the Brighton academy, where he quickly made an impression. In fact, because of his outstanding performances in the Brighton junior system, Manchester United and Chelsea looked at him.
The prodigy has so far been retained by Brighton, and TEAMtalk exclusively revealed in April that he has signed a new, long-term contract with Roberto De Zerbi’s group.
Moran has been made available on loan by the Seagulls, who are presently considering their options. They are looking for a club that will assist him in moving forward with his growth.
Exclusively, TEAMtalk revealed on June 20 that Blackburn have started the process of attempting to recruit Moran. In an effort to get the services of the teenager before several other Championship clubs, they started negotiations with Brighton.
However, TEAMtalk has learned that Stoke has now entered the competition by getting in touch with Brighton as well. Additionally, Blackburn has suffered a significant blow because Alex Neil’s team is now in the running to sign Moran on a loan for the 2023–24 season.
Moran would be Stoke’s third new hire of the summer if a deal could be reached for him. Enda Stevens, a left wingback, was already acquired on a free transfer after being released by Sheffield United, and Ben Pearson was hired on a long-term contract. Pearson’s move follows his loan stint at Stoke from Bournemouth during the second half of last season.