Blow for Cliftonville as defender set for League of Ireland switch

Cliftonville defender Luke Turner

Title chasing Cliftonville are bracing themselves to lose another key player in the January transfer window with League of Ireland sides St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohemians battling it out to sign Luke Turner.

Defender Turner has enjoyed a fine campaign playing an important role in Cliftonville having the best defensive record in the Sports Direct Premiership and while they would prefer to keep him, Sunday Life Sport understands a move is likely to happen this week.

The Reds can expect to receive a fee for the 21-year-old whose contract is up at the end of the season.

It is a sign of the impressive work being done at the club by manager Jim Magilton that so many of his players have become wanted men.

Earlier this month midfielder Chris Gallagher moved to Larne, joining several ex-Cliftonville stars at Inver Park including Levi Ives who departed Solitude last summer, while striker Ben Wilson is a target for a host of clubs though at this stage he is staying put.

Republic of Ireland youth international Turner started his professional career at Aberdeen and initially joined Cliftonville on loan in 2021 winning a host of Young Player of the season awards after his first Irish League campaign. He then signed a contract with the Reds but has always had ambitions to return to full-time football which St Pat’s and Bohemians can offer him.

Cliftonville held talks with the young centre back about extending his deal though it is believed they are now working hard on bringing in a replacement should a transfer for Turner go through.

Despite so much interest surrounding Cliftonville players, Magilton’s team have managed to sustain a surprise tilt at the title continuing their outstanding run of form