Chiedozie Ogbene of the Republic of Ireland. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Alan Browne’s proposed return to Preston North End was called off on Tuesday evening, with the Corkman remaining at Sunderland beyond the 11pm transfer deadline.
A romantic Deepdale comeback was on track as the window closure approached but final agreement on personal terms couldn’t be agreed to rejoin the Championship outfit he captained until departing two years ago.
Black Cats boss Régis Le Bris, despite not including the Irishman in matchday squads for his opening two games, wasn’t pushing Browne out the door.
He’ll require squad depth as his side compete on four fronts this term – including at least eight Europa League group phase matches from September 16 against AZ Alkmaar.
The 31-year-old ended his 18-month wait for his 38th Ireland cap in March by coming on in the World Cup playoff semi-final in Czechia, unfortunately being one of the two players to miss penalties in the shootout.
Should game time continue to be scarce in his final season under contract at the Stadium of Light, he can opt to seek a move again during the January transfer window.
Meanwhile, Browne’s fellow Leesider Chiedozie Ogbene has joined Championship newcomers Lincoln City on loan from Ipswich Town.
The winger will be welcomed by another ex-Cork City player, Josh Honohan, along with fellow compatriot Mason Melia, the teen striker on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
Derby were chasing Ogbene but did manage to lure Eiran Cashin back from Brighton and Hove Albion on loan.
Injury prevented the centre-back from elevating his international career to a senior cap in May but a succession of games should keep him in the picture for the Uefa Nations League four-game window from September 24.
💬 Chieo after his move to City. pic.twitter.com/JFu9TXKFhQ
Ogbene’s parent club, Ipswich, have agreed a fee with Shamrock Rovers for the transfer of goalkeeper Alex Noonan, the 18-year-old understudy to Hoops first-choice Ed McGinty.
Ipswich, where Ireland goalkeeping coach Rene Gilmartin is on the staff, have tracked Noonan for months but had to withstand late competition from Danish club Midtjylland for his signature on a long-term contract.
Preston will have an Irish recruit in this window, as Sligo native Johnny Kenny finalises his transfer from Celtic for a fee believed to be around €3m. A cut of 10% will be allocated to his former club, Sligo, as part of the terms brokered in his €150,000 move to the Scottish giants in 2022.
