Cork City will finalise the sale of Roy O'Donovan to Fulham today but the club's star player will remain in Ireland on loan for the remainder of the domestic season.
O'Donovan, rated among the best players in the domestic game and courted by a number of English and Scottish clubs, will discuss personal terms and undergo a medical in London next week.
Verbal agreement between the two clubs was secured yesterday and Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez is believed to have paid in the region of €450,000 for the Irish under-21 international.
That outlay could rise to €800,000 after appearances for club and country. A 20 per cent sell-on clause is also thought to be involved.
"I'm delighted that it's sorted and happy that Cork City got a fair deal," said O'Donovan. "I spoke to Fulham last week to see what their plans were going forward and I'm very happy with what they said.
"Of course it's a great opportunity and it has worked perfectly for Fulham, Cork and myself."
It is shrewd business indeed by Cork as Damien Richardson's side are generating momentum and gaining ground on their rivals having stuttered early in the campaign.
O'Donovan has been key to that drive with 20 goals and although he'll be a Fulham player he is determined to give Cork City his all. "I think we can definitely put silverware on the table this season," he said. "But whether that's league or cup silver I'm not sure."
Richardson confirmed last week that bids had been received from Fulham and the League Two outfit, Southend. O'Donovan had also attracted interest from Watford, Hull, Nottingham Forest and Celtic. "We've been trying for a long time to bring Roy to Roots Hall but it looks like we've failed," Southend chairman Ron Martin said.
O'Donovan is out of contract at Cork at the end of the season and he has repeatedly signalled his intention to try his luck again in England, where he previously had spells at Coventry and Cheltenham Town.
He was disappointed not to be part of the Ireland touring squad to the United States recently and stepping up from under-21 and B class is in his sights. "I'm fully convinced Eircom League players at this point in time will not be regular international players. Joe Gamble is an exception. Therefore going to England will help my chances, but first and foremost it's about Fulham."