Cork City boss, John Caulfield, has revealed he expects to lose Gearóid Morrissey to England in the next few days, according to the Evening Echo.
The Leesiders are set to bring in another midfielder when Morrissey completes his transfer to Cambridge United.
The 23-year-old has been ultra consistent for City since a return from Blackburn Rovers, but remains eager to test himself again cross-channel.
With a two-and-a-half year deal on the table, the former Ringmahon Rangers underage star is likely to take up the offer from the League Two outfit.
Caulfield would like to retain Morrissey, and the club have offered him terms for 2015, but the lure of England is strong.
The City boss said: “Gearóid has had a desire to go back to England and because players aren’t paid for three months of the season, he’s in a position to look at any options he wants.
“He was tapped up by a number of clubs and I know Cambridge have made him a good offer.
“We’re still talking to him but I’d expect he’ll sign early next week. I don’t want to lose him, but I’ve known it was coming and there are a few guys want to come to us if he goes.”
City have already recruited winger Kieran Djilali (Sligo), attacking midfielder Gavan Holohan (Drogheda), defender Dave Mulcahy (Bohs) and striker Karl Sheppard (Shamrock Rovers), as well as retaining the core of the squad that were runners-up to Dundalk.
“We want our panel to be stronger and deeper. We need at least 18 fellas at the same level. I don’t think we had that overall last year.
“We’ve brought players in the areas we need..”