Elliott to team up with McCarthy again

Stephen Elliott was in Dublin to meet with Wolves officials yesterday as the 23-year-old striker moved towards the conclusion of his €1.8 million switch from recently-promoted Sunderland to the would-be Championship contenders last night.

Mick McCarthy is believed to have offered around €1 million up front for a player he originally brought to the north east of England from Manchester City.

The balance of the fee would be dependent on appearances by the player and his new club's success in winning promotion during the coming season.

Opportunities for the Republic of Ireland international (he has one goal in six appearances for Ireland) were limited last season by a combination of injury and an influx of new players in the wake of Roy Keane's appointment as manager.

Having appeared certain to slip further down the pecking order in the wake of Michael Chopra's arrival from Cardiff, he has agreed the terms of a three-year contract with the Molineux outfit.

"He's a good player who has some injuries but who was probably still involved in around 20 games last season," said McCarthy yesterday. "I had him at Sunderland myself and he's a great lad. When I enquired after him I was delighted to hear that he might be available."

The former Ireland manager said he already possessed a player with many of the same attributes as Elliott boasts but, he says, "his arrival will mean greater competition for places and that's a good thing.

"He's a proven goalscorer at this (Championship) level and after the season he's just had with injuries and all that, hopefully we'll see the best of him."

Cork City, meanwhile, have confirmed that two significant offers have been received from English clubs for forward Roy O'Donovan. One is from League One side Southend United while the other is from Premiership side Fulham. Both offers, believed to be in the region of €300,000, are being considered by the club.

"I think everybody accepts fully that Cork City Football Club do not want to sell any players," said Damien Richardson, "but having received two official offers, it is professional courtesy to give those offers proper consideration, and a decision is likely to be made in due course."