New Ireland star being eyed up by one of Europe’s biggest clubs

He's a popular man!

We reported recently on Sligo Rovers' young star, Owen Elding, who is in the process of switching his allegiances from England to Ireland.

The 19-year-old, who moved to Ireland when he was 11, is one of the brightest young talents in the League of Ireland, and made headlines recently for a screamer he scored in the Bit O'Red's 1-1 draw against Bohemians.

After that game, boss John Russell gave an update on his nationality situation.

He said: "That’s a good question, which you should ask the FAI.

"I would have flagged this a while back. I think there is stuff going on in the background trying to get him nationalised.

"He has been in the country since he was 11 years of age. He was born in England, his dad obviously then having come over here to play.

"There is talk in the background and hopefully it can be resolved as he should be in that Under-21 squad.

"I think it’s paperwork that the FAI have to organise.

"I'm led to believe it’s close, so I think for everyone it would be good if it happened soon."

With eight goals and two assists in 21 league games so far this season, it comes as no surprise that he is drawing interest from bigger clubs.

And it has been reported by the Irish Examiner that none other than Italian giants, Juventus, are monitoring the youngster.