Mason Melia set for Lincoln City as compatriot's exit looms

Melia joined Spurs from St Patrick's Athletic in January 2026, after a deal had been agreed for his transfer nearly a year earlier. At just 18 years of age, Melia is one of the brightest Irish prospects and has already been rewarded with two caps at international level. Melia spent the 2025 season at St Pat's, scoring 13 goals in 35 games, before finishing the 2025/26 campaign with Tottenham's under-21s.

The Imps' interest was first reported at the weekend by @Lilywhite_rose on X, whose post outlined how Lincoln City were advancing in talks with Spurs over a potential loan deal for the prodigy. Now it appears likely that the move will be confirmed sooner rather than later.

This news broke during a busy period on the transfer rumour front for the Imps. The day before, Pete O'Rourke also reported that Lincoln City talisman Jack Moylan is closing in on a move to fellow second-tier returnees Cardiff City.

The departure of Moylan would undoubtedly be a huge blow for the League One title-winners, who can attribute large parts of their success last season to the skill and attacking prowess displayed by the ever-dangerous Irishman.

Losing Moylan will hurt Lincoln City fans, but the club have shown time and time again their ability to part ways with so-called 'key assets' yet still improve the level of the squad through meticulous recruitment practices. Last summer, for example, they waved goodbye to players such as Paudie O'Connor and Sean Roughan on free transfers, whilst selling Jovon Makama for a tidy fee. The Imps still went on to win the league with more than 100 points.

The fee for Moylan's departure is yet to be reported, but it has been described by The Times as 'substantial'. You would expect nothing less, the 24-year-old was tied down to a long-term contract, and Lincoln have been astute when it comes to selling for a few windows now.

The Imps have already begun the process of rebuilding their forward line post-Moylan. Alongside Melia's imminent arrival, there have been further reports from the continent about a potential move for Danish striker Mikkel Ladefoged, but it remains to be seen how that transfer develops.