Scottish Premiership outfit Falkirk are reportedly amongst a host of clubs across the water interested in making a summer move for Glenavon’s teenage sensation Paul McGovern.

McGovern was recently named Ulster Young Footballer of the Year after scoring eight goals in 35 Premiership matches for the relegated Lurgan Blues.

The 18-year-old has racked up 57 top-flight league appearances across his two seasons at Mourneview Park, and with his contract set to expire this summer, an array of clubs in both England and Scotland are looking to secure his services.

McGovern came through the ranks at Newry City and made his senior debut aged 15 for The Showgrounds outfit, playing alongside older brother John, who earned a move to Shamrock Rovers from Dungannon Swifts last year.

placeholder image — Glenavon's Paul McGovern. (Photo by Alan Weir/Pacemaker Press)

Scottish outlet Daily Record have reported that Falkirk are plotting a swoop for McGovern and hope a clear pathway into senior football can help them move ahead in the race for his signature.

The Bairns finished sixth in their first season back in Scotland’s top-flight this term with boss John McGlynn nominated for PFA Manager of the Year.

Falkirk sealed consecutive promotions, winning the League One title in 2024 and Championship the following year, and also reached the Scottish Cup semi-finals this season.

McGlynn and Falkirk’s recruitment team have reportedly been monitoring McGovern’s progression and are now ready to make their move.

Speaking to the News Letter in February, Stephen McDonnell, who brought McGovern to Glenavon from Newry in 2024, stated his belief that the teenager could thrive across the water.

"He could choose whichever Irish League club he wanted, but what I would be thinking is about going across the water, that's the level he's at,” he said. “He has all the raw credentials and he has now backed it up in a senior environment.

"I do know he has a lot of interest across the water. I would be surprised if he doesn't go across the water. He has done so well, which I knew he would.

"I went all out to get Paul and put him on a two-year deal at 16, which is now up this summer so he's in an unbelievable position. I know there's a list of clubs all over it, so for him it's brilliant.

"In my first week at Glenavon, we had Newry in the Mid-Ulster Cup, and Paul played that night but wasn't playing regularly.

"I thought 'wow, this lad is a player'. I fancied him more than his brother, who has went on to do magical things. I just thought you could really do something with Paul because he was 16.

"We brought Ben Wilson through and pushed to get him on a first team contract, Troy Savage went to Burnley, our ambitions for Chris Atherton, to be able to sell that to Paul...we had 21 players and I told him he was going to be part of our senior panel and will play.

"There was one or two other clubs sniffing around at that time, but not as many as there are now. He has proven at 18 that he's very much got more levels to go up."