Lincoln City have had a £600k bid rejected by Shamrock Rovers in their pursuit for 24-year-old Josh Honohan.
The Imps have reportedly been told that the initial bid is not sufficient for a deal to be struck between the clubs. According to Daniel McDonnell, a January opportunity for the left-back could be a more appealing option for Lincoln if a Deadline Day deal cannot be reached.
Honohan is a versatile wide player, with the ability to perform well on both sides of the pitch. Primarily as a left wing-back, the Shamrock defender can be utilised as a centre-back, wide midfielder and a right wing-back. Lincoln would be looking to gain a great asset for a reasonable figure – hence their patience to wait until January.
The Shamrock Rovers defender has featured 85 times and scored eight goals since a February 2024 move from Cork City. Honohan even received a call-up to the Ireland national team in May 2025. The 24-year-old has featured in the Conference League on 14 occasions, the Europa League three times and in four Champions League qualification matches.
Lincoln have already added Ryley Towler to their defensive ranks, so are not overly desperate for a left-sided defender in their back four system. The 23-year-old has allowed the Imps to hold off on this deal, with a view in mind to revisit it in January on better, more patient terms.
Writer’s View
Lincoln’s sought-after defender would be a great potential replacement for the departed Sean Roughan. The now-Huddersfield Town left-back was loaned out to the Irish Premier Division so it is now an avenue that the Imps will likely continue to explore.
The Imps have had great success with Roughan and Jack Moylan’s signature from the Irish league. Honohan could be the latest to move over to Lincoln – however Michael Skubala’s side may need to wait until the winter window.
This could be one of the biggest coups that Lincoln could pull of, considering his exceptional European experience at all three of UEFA’s major competitions.
