Liam Boyce is joining Derry City from Hearts in a statement of intent from new Candystripes boss Tiernan Lynch.
It is believed the deal will be completed in the next few days and, having captured two Northern Ireland stars, with Boyce following Shane Ferguson into the Brandywell, Lynch will aim to complete an international hat-trick by enticing the much sought after Gavin Whyte to the League of Ireland club.
With his Hearts contract up at the end of the season, the Belfast Telegraph understands that former Cliftonville frontman Boyce, 33, is keen on a permanent move home which is music to the ears of all at Derry, who are excited to be signing such a quality performer.
Boyce exits Tynecastle after five years in which he became a big favourite with the Hearts fans who loved his goals, assists and stylish way he played the game.
Ex-Larne boss Lynch will be confident the City faithful will adore Boyce in the same way. The feeling at Derry is that the one-time Ross County striker can help his new team challenge for trophies in the upcoming 2025 campaign.
Boyce may not have played regularly this season but he remains a classy operator and will aim to perform as well in the League of Ireland as he did in the Irish League, where he won back to back titles with Cliftonville a decade ago.
The eye-catching move may tempt Whyte to decide that the Brandywell is also the place for him.
The former Crusaders star has been the most wanted player in Ireland since Sunday Life Sport revealed in November that he was ready to play again after leaving Portsmouth in August to come home for family reasons.
Coleraine were amongst the many clubs interested in the 28-year-old winger but with Bannsiders boss Dean Shiels saying yesterday he felt they were no longer “in the running”, Derry are favourites to land Whyte.