CORK City teen Cathal O’Sullivan has batted away reports concerning his next move.
The winger, whose contract expires at the end of the season, had long been linked with a transfer.
He was pictured sitting behind Oliver Glasner at a Crystal Palace academy match in May.
Nottingham Forest academy coach Andy Reid also visited Turner’s Cross earlier this summer.
Brentford, Celtic and Preston North End are potential suitors.
O’Sullivan is surprised by all the speculation.
He explained: “I’m just reading it and being like, ‘Oh, that’s actually happening?’ I’m as clueless as most people.
“I’m a Cork City player at the moment. I don’t really get involved.”
O’Sullivan had the opportunity to make an impression on Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers on Tuesday as City lost 2-1 to the Glasgow giants.
He said: “I enjoyed it. It’s definitely the level I want to go to. It was a good workout and something we can build on for Friday night.”
Under Fifa rules, City would gain around €300,000 in compensation if O’Sullivan leaves in November.
The club must balance those financial considerations with a relegation dogfight to secure their Premier Division status.
City enter tonight’s Munster derby trip to Waterford in bottom spot, five points adrift of Sligo Rovers.
Boss Ger Nash used the Celtic friendly to test new signings Fiacre Kelleher and Rory Feely as the centre-back pairing.
City are without Charlie Lyons, who is banned for three games following his red card against Shelbourne last week, so Kelleher is likely to start.
Waterford — walloped 7-2 by Derry City last Friday — have no new injury concerns though boss John Coleman may make changes.
He said: “Everyone is looking for a reaction, none more so than me. The players are looking for that reaction themselves. So hopefully we get it.
“It’s a special game for the fans and I think that translates to the players. I know it does for me, I’m excited.”
