Crystal Palace win race to sign talented Linfield teenager Cormac Austin

Crystal Palace have won the race to sign highly-rated Linfield teenager Cormac Austin.

The 16-year-old was being tracked by a number of other cross-channel clubs including Leeds United and Ipswich Town.

But Palace were determined to seal a deal after the technically gifted midfielder impressed on trial at the turn of the year.

Nottingham Forest snap up highly-rated Crusaders teenager Joel Thompson

Austin, who hails from West Belfast and was previously on the books of Cliftonville, made his Linfield debut in a 11-0 BetMcLean League Cup win over the PSNI in November.

The teenager, a holding midfielder with an eye for a pass, impressed after making his bow as a half-time substitute for experienced Blues captain Jamie Mulgrew.

And afterwards manager David Healy said it was only a matter of time before the youngster was snapped up by a cross-channel club.

“We will lose Cormac, no doubt about it,” said Healy.

Austin, who is also a talented GAA player, played for Northern Ireland U16s in last season's Victory Shield tournament and has been part of the Irish FA’s Academy programme.

He is the latest Irish League player to join a English Premier League club in recent days, following the likes of Coleraine midfielder Patrick Kelly who completed a move to West Ham United on Friday.

Crusaders midfielders Jack Patterson and Joel Thompson are also joining Everton and Nottingham Forest respectively.