The future of Shamrock Rovers defender Lee Grace is set to be resolved by the weekend with Hull City manager Grant McCann looking to sign the 26-year-old provided he impresses on a three-day training trip this week.

Grace is out of contract at Tallaght and will be staying at Rovers if Hull's interest comes to nothing.

The player is aware this might be his last proper chance to try his luck across the water and stalled putting pen to paper on a new deal in case a suitable opportunity arose.

There was interest in the centre half from League One and League Two clubs but he was not keen on going on trial to a club at that level and was very close to committing his future to the Hoops.

However, the call from Championship side Hull turned his head, with Northern Irish manager McCann on the look-out for a defender.

His assistant Cliff Byrne is well on top of the League of Ireland market and the duo signed Sean McLoughlin from Cork City in January, viewing him as an option for the future. They also signed Kieran Sadlier from Cork while they were at Doncaster.

McCann has received positive feedback on Grace, and the fact he is available on a free transfer is an added bonus.

The player has delayed an end of season holiday to Thailand to link up with McCann's squad during the international break.

Rovers want to know where they stand with Grace before he jets off at the weekend as he would be a significant loss to their side.

The Carrick On Suir man is a late convert to the professional game. He was in the army in his youth before signing for Wexford Youths and only turned pro when he penned a deal with Galway United ahead of the 2017 season.

Rovers paid €25,000 to take him from cash strapped Galway before the summer transfer window closed.

Hull have also been linked with Grace's Rovers colleague Jack Byrne but a transfer fee would be required and it's understood that recruiting a centre half is higher up McCann's list of priorities.

Online Editors