FINN HARPS are waiting in the wings with Barry McNamee’s future still up in the air.
McNamee is a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Derry City in November.
Harps are understood to have met McNamee and tabled an offer in an ambitious attempt to lure Derry’s 2019 captain to Finn Park.
A number of clubs, including Irish League champions Cliftonville, are keen on McNamee, with Larne and Coleraine also keeping close tabs on developments.
Harps survived in the Premier Division via a play-off win over Drogheda in November and manager Ollie Horgan is eager for a blue-chip signing as he aims to push the Donegal club’s ambitions.
Dave Webster and Ryan Connolly have already been added by Harps, who have also taken Adrian Delap on loan from Derry.
Derry manager Declan Devine suggested last month that McNamee had lined out for the last time in the Candystripes.
While negotiations have been ongoing, Devine this week told the Derry Journal: “Barry hasn’t decided what he’s doing in his career at this moment in time. I don’t know if he’s taking a bit of time out or if he’s going to try his luck elsewhere at a different level. I don’t know.”
Although Cliftonville, managed by former Derry player Paddy McLaughlin, looks tempting, Harps are said to be pulling all the stops in their bid to add McNamee to a roster that already includes his brother, Tony.
Harps’ part-time status and their proximity are likely to be plus points in the talks.
Harps assistant manager Paul Hegarty worked with McNamee during his time as part of Derry’s backroom staff.
The 27-year-old has also attracted attention from St Patrick’s Athletic, but a move to the Dubliners appears unlikely at this point.
