League One club Leyton Orient is reportedly preparing a bid to sign highly thought-of midfielder Dara Costelloe from Premier League side Burnley this summer.
The former Republic of Ireland under-21 international impressed during a loan spell at Northampton Town last season, seemingly attracting the attention of the O’s.
As reported by journalist Alan Nixon, the Clarets are in discussions to send their talented Irishman for another spell in the third tier, with Orient chasing a bargain deal.
Leyton Orient Target Dara Costelloe
Costelloe spent the first half of last season in League Two, featuring 17 times on loan for Accrington Stanley. He was recalled from his spell at the Wham Stadium, with Burnley sending him to play League One football with Northampton in February.
The 22-year-old scored five times in League Two, but showcased his progression by scoring six goals in fewer matches a division higher for the Cobblers.
Costelloe who caught the eye playing for Galway United in the League of Ireland, is known for his direct style. He became a firm favourite at Sixfields, thrusting him into the limelight ahead of the summer transfer window opening.
Leyton Orient was the second-top scorer in League One last term, so he should slot seamlessly into Richie Wellens’ fruitful system.
Wellens is keen to add quality to his already successful squad, so it’s unsurprising to see a winger with an eye for goal high on Leyton Orient’s agenda.
Leyton Orient Keen to Build on Strong Season
Having fallen agonisingly short of promotion, losing in the League One play-off final to Charlton, Orient will be determined to hit the ground running next season. Following the Wembley defeat Richie Wellens spoke about his sadness at the inevitable player exits and of the importance of recruiting smartly.
“We need to make sure we recruit right because we are going to lose a lot of players now” Richie Wellens to BBC Sport
The 45-year-old appears committed to Orient, with it recently reported that the club’s new owners are set to offer him a stellar new deal to fend off any rival interest.
It promises to be a busy summer at Brisbane Road, with many key performers in their run to Wembley having returned to their parent clubs. The likes of Jamie Donley, Josh Keeley, and Charlie Kelman were all loanees, and the quality of their replacements could be a key indicator of Orient’s prospects in 2025/26.
The upcoming campaign will be the third full season with Wellens at the Orient helm, therefore hopes will be high for another promotion assault.
