Norwich City are closing in on the signing of Drogheda United defender Emmanuel Adegboyega. 

The Canaries have a long standing interest in the 19-year-old and have raced ahead of Premier League clubs to thrash out a deal for the centre back.

The Irish Sun are reporting that Adegboyega said his goodbyes to supporters and colleagues after a Friday's 2-2 draw with Sligo Rovers and has been a mainstay in their side since the second game of the campaign. 

City's head of emerging talent Mariela Nisotaki supposedly attended last week's FAI Cup win over Sligo alongside his representatives. 

Adegboyega is poised to complete a move to Carrow Road pending a medical and will sign a multi year deal before linking up with their development squad. 

West Ham United and Crystal Palace also displayed an interest in signing the highly-rated defender. Adegboyega also went on trial with Blackpool towards the end of last season. 

Norwich were linked with a swoop for the defender as early as January and have been monitoring his progress for a prolonged period. 

Ireland has proven a popular market for the Canaries previously having brought Andrew Omobamidele and Adam Idah over in previous years. 

Adegboyega also spent time in Dundalk's youth set-up and only signed his first professional deal with the Boynesiders three weeks ago. 

Ireland U21 boss Jim Crawford has also been monitoring his progress with a view to handing him a call up in the near future. 

Adegboyega is considered as one of the best up and coming defenders in the League of Ireland and has made 22 first-team appearances for Drogheda this season, scoring once.