Preston North End manager Simon Grayson has agreed a deal for left-back Kevin O'Connor of League of Ireland outfit Cork City, with the club expected to confirm later this week, according to the Irish Independent.

The 22-year-old made 22 appearances in all competitions last season, with six of them coming in the Europa League qualifiers.

O'Connor is the second arrival at Deepdale from Cork in a matter of days after the Championship side completed the acquisition of striker Sean Maguire on a three-year deal at the weekend.

He has been utilised mostly as a defender by his team, though, is said to have also been pushed further up field in more of a winger position and even in the centre of the pitch at times this term.

Grayson himself is understood to have watched the versatile defender in action last season and a deal is reportedly expected imminently.

O'Connor joins six players at Preston who originate from the Republic of Ireland, including January additions Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan - with the latter scoring two and assisting three since his arrival at the club.

It was thought that Grayson had been tracking the full-back for a number of months and has seemingly got one of his many summer targets.

Preston fans, are you happy that Simon Grayson is diving into the Republic of Ireland for talent? Can Kevin O'Connor make an impact next season? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments below!