Ireland forward Aaron Connolly linked with shock transfer to Serie B side

Meanwhile, Nathan Collins, Jeff Hendrick and Josh Cullen have landed new clubs.

Aaron Connolly could be the latest Republic of Ireland international to secure a transfer this summer, according to reports, with the Brighton and Hove Albion striker linked with a move to a team in Italy. If he leaves Brighton, Connolly would become the fourth Irish player to move this week, after Nathan Collins, Jeff Hendrick and Josh Cullen all completed transfers.

Aaron Connolly linked with transfer to Serie B side.

Connolly is in talks with Venezia about joining the club, according to Brighton media outlet The Argus. It is unclear if the Ireland forward would join the Serie B team on loan or on a permanent deal. The Italian side suffered relegation from Serie A last season after their first season in the top flight in 20 years. Connolly, 22, has returned to pre-season training with Brighton, but may not be in the first-team picture for the upcoming campaign. The striker, who has two years left on his contract with the Seagulls, but has not played for the Seagulls since December and spent the second half of last season on loan with Middlesbrough. He scored two goals during his time with the Championship side as the club missed out on a place in the playoffs. The Galway-native, 22, has made 58 appearances for Brighton and scored eight goals. He has earned eight caps for Ireland.

Nathan Collins, Jeff Hendrick and Josh Cullen land transfer moves.

Elsewhere, it has been a busy week for Irish transfers. Nathan Collins has become the most expensive Irish player in history after joining Wolverhampton Wanderers from Burnley in a transfer worth a reported €24m. Jeff Hendrick has joined Championship side Reading on a season-long loan from Newcastle United. And Josh Cullen has signed for Burnley from Anderlecht. The Ireland midfielder has reunited with Vincent Kompany, his former Anderlecht manager, at the Championship side. Related links.

• Wolves set to break Irish transfer record to sign Nathan Collins.
• Burnley interested in signing Ireland midfielder Jason Knight from Derby.
• Southampton pay tribute as Shane Long leaves the club after eight years.

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