Portadown have signed Liam Mullan on a season-long loan from Derry City.
The 20-year-old midfielder came through at Maiden City before joining the Candystripes’ Academy in 2021.
He spent last season on loan at Institute, making 36 appearances and scoring three goals.
“This came out of nowhere, really, but we know how much Derry City rate this young lad, the fact that they have just given him a three-year deal tells its own story,” said Ports boss Niall Currie.
“I have such a wonderful team of staff around me with so many contacts, and a big thank you goes to Davy Douglas for this one and for asking the question about young Liam.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have this kid with us for the season, we remember how good Josh Archer was for us as a young man, so to get Liam over the line is great.
“I would like to thank Derry City for their help and we look forward to seeing Liam in our red jersey.”
The Ports have also confirmed that Zach Barr and TJ Murray have left the club by mutual consent.
Both players joined the club in January from Newington and Ballymena United respectively.
Defender Max Davidson has rejoined Championship side Bangor following spells in Wales and most recently with 1874 Northwich in England.
In Scotland, St Johnstone have signed Hearts striker Makenzie Kirk on a permanent deal.
Makenzie is the son of former Glentoran and Northern Ireland striker Andy Kirk, who is Craig Levein’s assistant at the Saints.
The 20-year-old had been a stand-out for the Jambos’ B-team with 45 goals in 49 appearances but struggled to play his way into Steven Naismith’s plans.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Hamilton but now heads to Perth under Levein for an undisclosed fee.
“I am really pleased to get things sorted. It is the next step for my career and it is the right thing for me to do, to move on from Hearts,” said Kirk.
“I would like to thank everyone from Hearts for the last few years, and I am now really looking forward to getting started here with St Johnstone.
“I started really well last season at Hearts. I scored 28 goals before Christmas. I love to score goals, get in behind and work hard off the ball.”
Northern Ireland midfielder Rachel Furness, meanwhile, has returned to Newcastle United after leaving Bristol City.