Norwich City have confirmed the signing of Drogheda United defender Emmanuel Adegboyega.  

The 19-year-old defender has signed a year deal with the Canaries, reportedly beating off competition from several Premier League clubs. 

Adegboyega said his goodbyes to Drogheda supporters after Friday’s 2-2 draw with Sligo Rovers having become a mainstay of their side this campaign, making 22 appearances, scoring once. 

"I'm over the moon to sign for Norwich," he told City's official channels. "It's always good when a big club like this approaches you.

"When you see people from the same country [in the first-team], it makes that decision so much easier. Seeing what they're doing in the first-team, it was an easy decision.

"Playing senior football has helped me a lot. The physicality level changed from academy level to first-team level, it's obviously a big jump. But playing in the League of Ireland definitely helped me."

West Ham and Crystal Palace have previously shown an interest in the centre half, who was also on trial at Blackpool 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.