Crewe Alexandra set sights on Ireland defender Andrew Lyons and consider £50,000 bid for 21-year-old

Crewe Alexandra are weighing up a move for Republic of Ireland under-21 international Andrew Lyons.

The highly-rated right-back has been starring for Bohemians and is regarded as one of the brightest talents in the League of Ireland at the moment.

League One Crewe have pedigree for identifying young stars that they then develop and can prise Lyons away from Bohemians on a compensation deal as he is out of contract.

Crewe Alexandra are hoping to sign Andrew Lyons (pictured) from Irish side Bohemians

Lyons’ playing style has been compared to Liverpool and Scotland left-back Andrew Robertson

However, they could face late competition as Wigan Athletic, Plymouth Argyle and Shrewsbury Town have all looked at Lyons and are considering offers too.

The 21-year-old, who has drawn comparisons in style to Liverpool’s Andy Robertson as a youngster, would cost around £50,000.

Everton captain Seamus Coleman is one of League of Ireland’s biggest success stories

English clubs have had moderate success in recent seasons plundering the Irish market but there have been great bargains over the years with the likes of Everton captain Seamus Coleman being signed for £60,000 from Sligo Rovers.

Sunderland plundered the Northern Irish league this week to sign Linfield defender Trai Hume, 19, while West Ham signed his 17-year-old clubmate Callum Marshall for their academy.