Tranmere boss John Aldridge has told Alan Mahon that his proposed move to Portugal would be the biggest mistake that the player ever made.

Mahon has refused to sign a new contract at Prenton Park and is currently in personal negiotations and believed to be close to finalising a deal with Sporting Lisbon about a move which would see him joining up with Irish team-mate Phil Babb.

Aldridge said "Alan seems to want to go to Portugal. Personally I think it would be a bad move. He is very young to move to the Continent. In this day and age money seems increasingly important but sometimes the best financial package does not always equal the best option for a player's career.

"I would advise Alan against the move, but it is up to the player now. If he goes to Portugal there will be a lot of pressure on him to produce the goods straight away. I just hope it doesn't damage his career long term."

Aldridge knows all about the pressures of playing abroad. He left Liverpool to join Real Sociedad in Spain near the tail-end of his career. But he must remember that he also was warned about his choice of move and yet he was a roaring success in Spain, finishing second in the scoring list two years running.

Mahon has not proved himself at the highest level but he looks to have the talent to go all the way. He made his senior debut for Ireland this year and could well have a long and successful career in the green of Ireland.