Derry City have made a strong push to sign Northern Ireland international Gavin Whyte, who is a free agent after his departure from Portsmouth.
The 28-year-old, who revealed in the Belfast Telegraph that his Pompey exit was due to putting his family first, has interest from the Candystripes as well as Irish League clubs Larne, Linfield, his old side Crusaders and Ballymena United.
New Derry boss Tiernan Lynch, who has taken the reins after leaving Larne, is looking to make a splash in the transfer market after the departure of key players from the dressing room – including skipper Patrick McEleney – and the Candystripes are willing to make the Belfast native a high earner.
Northern Ireland forward Gavin Whyte is in the sights of Derry City as well as a host of Irish League sides
But they face strong competition for his signature from multiple Irish League clubs, with Shamrock Rovers also monitoring the situation.
Lynch needs fresh bodies as he presides over a dressing room overhaul, but there remains confidence around the club that goalkeeper Brian Maher and midfielder Adam O’Reilly can be persuaded to stick around.
Derry sources believe that Maher will stay put unless an overseas option emerges, while midfielder O’Reilly has long-standing interest from his former club St Patrick’s Athletic.
Elsewhere, former Linfield and Glentoran youth star Barry Baggley, currently at Fleetwood Town, is interesting the Saints.