Irish midfielder Sykes undergoes Bristol medical

Irish midfielder Mark Sykes is on the verge of a move to Championship club Bristol Rovers.

The 24-year-old is reported to be undergoing a medical ahead of a move from Oxford United after which he will sign a three-year contract with his new club.

Sykes is a free agent after and impressive three-year spell with Oxford, having joined them from Irish Premiership side Glenavon.

The midfielder represented Northern Ireland at underage level but made the switch to the Republic of Ireland in 2020.

He was called into Stephen Kenny's Ireland squad for March friendlies against Belgium and Lithuania and while he has yet to make his senior debut, Kenny is understood to rate him highly.

While Sykes is on the verge of joining Bristol, fellow Irish international Callum O’Dowda is leaving the club after a six-year spell.

O’Dowda was officially released from the club who had an option of an extra year on his contract but opted against triggering the clause as they look to cut their wage bill.

The 27-year-old is expected to have several offers from other Championship clubs with talks currently on-going.