Rovers are working on a deal for Irish youngster Justin Ferizaj.

The Shamrock Rovers midfielder is a target for the club who are keen to add him to their Under-21s ranks.

The 18-year-old is of interest to Rovers, with Academy staff understood to have watched the midfielder closely and held discussions over a potential move.

Ferizaj spent time on trial at Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the year, but Rovers are keen to add him to their ranks.

The teenager has already clocked up 21 appearances for his club, but has been used sparingly in the league fixtures in recent weeks.

Rovers have scouted Irish football closely in recent seasons, having brought in midfielder Brad Lyons from Coleraine in 2019, while full back James Brown was signed in January 2022 after his deal with Drogheda United expired.

There is a longer history of bringing in players from northern and southern Ireland, including Darragh Lenihan, Damien Johnson and Damien Duff, and will hope Ferizaj can continue that tradition.

Rovers had lined up a move for Rochdale youngster Ethan Brierley in January.

That fell down due to issues surrounding the submission of paperwork, with the teenager continuing to feature for Rochdale in the second half of the season.

Rovers had still hoped to conclude a deal for Brierley this summer, keeping their January offer on the table, but were beaten to his signature by Brentford.

The Premier League side secured his signature earlier this month and made him part of their B team.

Rovers have stayed in the market for young players, with head of Academy Stuart Jones having confirmed to the Lancashire Telegraph that the club will look to make two signings for their Under-21s squad.

They are understood to be Ferizaj and Tottenham Hotspur youngster Thomas Bloxham who spent time on trial with Rovers earlier this year.

Ferizaj would strengthen Rovers’ midfield ranks in the youth department, with Harley O’Grady-Macken also having made significant progress within the last 12 months.

Rovers’ four central midfield options at senior level are all homegrown, including teenagers Adam Wharton and Jake Garrett.

To supplement below that, the club are set to make their move for Ferizaj who has been capped by Republic of Ireland at Under-19s level.

Ferizaj, who is also eligible to play for Albania through his parents, is thought to be under contract at Shamrock until the end of 2023.

That would ensure that the club would be entitled to a fee for his services having been signed to a professional contract.

Shamrock are currently top of the League of Ireland standings after 21 games, in which they have won 12 and picked up 42 points.

Ferizaj is yet to start a league fixture this season, making four substitute appearances, but has featured for the club in the Europa League qualifying stages and Europa Conference League matches already in his short career.