Four Cork players complete deadline day moves

There were deadline day transfer moves for four Cork footballers on Monday, all of whom joined EFL Championship clubs.

Three of them are full Republic of Ireland internationals with the highest profile being Douglas man Adam Idah’s move from Celtic to EFL (English Football League) Championship side Swansea City for a figure rumoured to be around €6.9m - a fee which could rise with add ons.

The 24 year old signed for the Welsh club on a five-year contract. Irishman Alan Sheehan is head coach at the club.

Alan Sheehan said: “Adam’s all-round ability and his experience at the highest level make him a quality addition to our squad, and his signing is an indication of our ambitions for the club moving forward. We are delighted to have secured his services.

“He is an ambitious young player who wants to play a big role in what we are trying to build at Swansea, and his movement and ability to stretch defences will be a real asset to us.”

Idah won four pieces of silverware in his season-and-a-half with Celtic, winning two Scottish league titles, a Scottish Cup and a Scottish League Cup.

He has 32 caps for the Republic and 5 goals.

Speaking to Swansea's website, he said: “I want the responsibility, and it is one of the main reasons I have come here. I want to have the chance to be the main man, to lead the line and score as many goals as I can,” he added.

Fellow Douglas man Chiedozi Ogbene (28) moved on loan from Ipswich Town to fellow Championship club Sheffield United after his recovery from a lengthy injury.

"I'm very happy and excited. It is an honour to be at a great club. I've lived here for four years, so I like to think I know what this club means to the people and the city. It is a huge honour to be here,” the ex-Cork City man said.

Another ex-Cork City man on the move on Monday was Sunderland midfielder Alan Browne (30) who signed for Middlesbrough who are currently on top of the EFL Championship.

The former Preston North End captain made 23 appearances for Sunderland last term during their promotion-winning campaign but made no appearances in the Premier League this season.

He has 37 caps and five goals for Ireland.

Finally forward Franco Umeh joined Championship side Portsmouth on a permanent deal from Premier League team Crystal Palace, where he featured in 15 senior matchday squads.

The 20 year old has agreed a four-year deal at Fratton Park in a deal rumoured to be around €575,000. Former clubs Cork City and Ringmahon Rangers are expected to benefit.

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho said: “Franco was one of the outstanding players in Premier League 2 last season.He was very highly rated in what is a talented Crystal Palace side and has also been around their first team, training with them and being on the bench.

“He’s one who we’ve been tracking for just over a year now and brings a lot of pace and athleticism to our front line,” he added.