IT'S HIGH NOON AS D-DAY APPROACHES

STEPHEN BRADLEY has admitted that teenage striker Michael Noonan “might not be here” by the end of the transfer window next Monday.

- BY MARK McCADDEN

The Ireland underage star (above) is a target for Bundesliga side Hoffenheim - and it is believed that the Germans are ready to match Shamrock Rovers’ valuation of the 17-year-old.

Hoffenheim had an initial bid rejected by the Hoops, but it was reported yesterday evening that they had closed the gap with a €1.8million offer.

Speaking at the launch of the new SSE Airtricity League season at Whelan's in Dublin, Bradley said that contingency plans were already in place should Noonan depart.

“As a club we're really comfortable with where we are with Michael," he said.

“The family, and Michael, trust us implicitly, like we do with him. Michael just signed a new deal with us.

“We understand where he wants to go and where it's going.

“If the right offer comes in and the club accepts it, and more importantly if Michael feels it's the right offer for him and the right next step, then he might not be here on Monday.