Irish football hero Richard Dunne could be off to New York – to play alongside the Frenchman who wrecked his World Cup dream.

Dunne is believed to be the subject of a transfer enquiry from the New York Red Bulls.

They want him to join French striker Thierry Henry – the man whose handball cost Ireland so dearly three years ago – and Australian superstar Tim Cahill at the MLS franchise.

Dubliner Dunne is currently recovering from groin surgery in America as he battles to overcome an injury which has kept him out of the action since the Euro 2012 finals last summer.

The 33-year-old underwent surgery in Philadelphia last week and is due to return to action with Premier League side Aston Villa in February.

The Irish Sun reports however that the Red Bulls will move for the big defender when the transfer window opens on January 1st.

They know that Villa almost sold Dunne to Stoke last August when Spanish side Malaga were also interested in his services.

The paper reports that Villa boss Paul Lambert is keen to offload Dunne before his contract expires at the end of the season when he can leave on a free transfer.

The report says that the MLS side want Dunne to replace Mexican star Rafael Marquez.

Friends of Dunne have said he is interested in following his close friend Robbie Keane to the States.

The Red Bulls did try to sign Villa’s Irish midfielder Stephen Ireland last season.

A source said: “There is interest from New York and it is something that would appeal to Richard.”