If Patrick McEleney wants it, there seems to be a certain new home for him in the third tier of English football.
The 25-year-old's contract with Dundalk has expired. A free agent, he has been the subject of much interest - including from MLS.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Oldham manager Richie Wellens said that he has spoken to the Derryman's agent. He also called McEleney the best player in the League of Ireland.
We've spoken to his agent. I like him, he's a really good footballer and is the best footballer in the Republic of Ireland league.
That's a league that is growing in stature and growing in terms of its standing. It's grown in the last four of five years and a lot of good players are coming from the Republic of Ireland.
We've obviously got Jack Byrne and Eoin Doyle, so they produce good players. I like the mentality of the players.
Wellens, who came through the ranks at Man Utd at the same time as John O'Shea, took over as temporary Oldham boss in late September following the sacking of John Sheridan.
A run of seven games unbeaten - including five wins - saw Wellens appointed on a permanent basis in mid-October. That was despite both Paul Scholes and Clarence Seedorf being linked with the job.
"Patrick is someone who can use both feet and take players on and can score goals, so we are trying to talk to him," added Wellens.
"I think there are three of four offers. If we can do something then we'll try, but if we can't we'll move on."
Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
