Eamon Zayed could be on his way to Limerick as Shamrock Rovers look to make room for Spanish striker Ruben Perez Ortega. Photo: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE

Shamrock Rovers are on the verge of signing 26-year-old Spanish striker Ruben Perez Ortega from Deportivo Varea.

With the League of Ireland transfer window closing today, the horse-trading is stepping up. Rovers, in search of a new striker, are bringing Perez, who had the distinction of being the Spanish third division's highest scorer two years ago, in for a trial.

Ortega scored 41 goals in 2012 and is due to arrive at the club today for a week-long-trial, at which point Rovers boss Trevor Croly will decide whether to offer him a permanent contract.

To make room, Eamon Zayed is on his way out. Potentially Zayed could join Limerick, who have also lined up Lee Lynch from St Pat's and Joseph Ndo and Eric Djilali from Sligo.

The Bit O'Red have been a bit busy. They were in the hunt for Rory Gaffney, but he seems set to stay with Limerick.

However, Iarfhlaith Davoren has re-joined the club from Cork, with Ross Gaynor heading in the opposite direction.

Sligo are also chasing Kevin Devaney from Bohemians but are facing the possibility of seeing Aaron Greene move to St Pat's and Danny North to Shamrock Rovers.

St Pat's are also interested in Rovers striker Karl Sheppard but Ciaran Kilduff is definitely not for sale.

Athlone Town, meanwhile, have reached an agreement with Rovers to sign Irish under-age international Kevin Knight. And Limerick defender Stephen Folan is now likely to stay with the club despite interest from St Pat's.

Irish Independent