Irish talent on the rise - December 11, 2000
Eight million pounds worth of Irish talent could soon be on its way from the English Nationwide to the Premiership.
Fulham have slapped a £5-million price tag on Irish international Steve Finnan, who is being chased by Arsenal and Newcastle.
And Sheffield Wednesday will listen to £3-million-plus bids for their Irish u21 midfielder Alan Quinn, who is attracting the attention of West Ham and Spurs.
Finnan can play full back or on the right side of midfield. Arsenal see him as Lee Dixon's replacement, while Newcastle want Finnan as a right winger, so that they can cash in Kieron Dyer for up to £20 million.
Finnan, of course, has a good chance of making it to the Premiership even if he stays with promotion contenders Fulham.
Quinn is Sheffield Wednesday's hottest property and they have already rejected a swap deal for Coventry's Carlton Palmer.
But the Yorkshire club is seriously strapped for cash and if either Tottenham or the Hammers can come up with something over £3 million, the former Cherry orchard star is on his way to the Premiership.