CARLTON has refuted claims in newspaper reports that they have signed four Irish players however football operations manager Steven Icke has confirmed that the Blues have offered Cork defender Michael Shields the opportunity to join the club for a trial during pre-season.

"We haven't signed anyone," Icke says. "All we've done with Michael Shields is offer him the opportunity to come to Carlton and do a pre-season training camp.

"If he likes what he sees and we like what we see, we may be in a position to offer him a contract."

The Corkman, who played in his county's losing All-Ireland final bid against Kerry, wouldn't be short of company from home.

The club already has two Irish players from Cork in Setanta O'hAilpin and his younger brother Aisake, who is believed to be close to an upgrade to the senior list despite the fact  a groin injury ended his season prematurely this year.

It was also reported that the club had signed three other teenagers from Galway, Laois and Armagh and were offering $1600 apiece on the condition they chose the Blues should they decide to try to make the grade in the AFL.

"I am meeting with some other players but I'm not going to state who they are.

"That's all wrong (regarding payments). No payments have been made. I'm here to talk to some people but there are no offers being made at this stage."

Icke, who arrived in Dublin late on Tuesday night, says he hasn't even met up with Shields yet.

"I haven't had any indication from Michael as to whether he'll accept our offer."

When asked if he is confident that the O'hAilpins will have Irish company next year, the football manager remains coy.

"They've made their (the O'hAilpins) spare bed up; I don't know whether that's an indication or not," he laughed.