Nottingham Forest’s latest signing was wanted by Celtic and Manchester United

Nottingham Forest has secured a pre-contract agreement to sign 18-year-old striker Michael Noonan on a free transfer from Shamrock Rovers. The Republic of Ireland youth international is scheduled to arrive at the City Ground in the January transfer window, with reports indicating Forest beat out competition from Manchester United, Celtic, Ajax, and Benfica.

Noonan has scored eight goals in 35 senior appearances in Ireland and is expected to initially join Nottingham Forest's B-Team. Writer Lee Clarke suggests the deal felt driven by academy figure Andy Reid as Forest looks to develop the young prospect.