Cliftonville boss Jim Magilton targets two big name signings

Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton

Ex-Northern Ireland international Ryan McLaughlin

Ex-Glentoran defender Patrick McClean

Cliftonville are targeting moves for Northern Ireland international Ryan McLaughlin and ex-Glentoran defender Patrick McClean with new Reds boss Jim Magilton determined to improve his squad ahead of the upcoming season.

McClean shocked the Glens and the Irish League in February when he announced he was retiring from football at the age of 26 but with suggestions that he is now considering a return to the game, the Belfast Telegraph understands that Cliftonville have an interest in the ex-Derry City player.

Shortly after his appointment as Cliftonville manager in June, Magilton released centre-back Colin Coates, who has since joined Ballymena United, and there is a desire at Solitude to strengthen that area with McClean on the radar.

When he was boss of Sligo Rovers, Magilton’s assistant Gerard Lyttle worked with McClean and has consistently spoken highly of the defender.

What makes such a move complicated is that despite retiring, McClean remains under contract at Glentoran and is still highly rated at the Oval.

McClean joined the Glens in 2019 and the following year was a key figure in their 2020 Irish Cup triumph. Last summer he signed a contract extension until 2025.

Announcing his decision to quit, McClean posted on Instagram earlier this year: “I’ve decided to call it a day with my football career. It’s not been an easy decision but it’s one I have been thinking about for a while now.”

At the time Glentoran said they would “retain Patrick’s registration for the remainder of his contract”.

That being the case, the Reds or any other club would have to shell out a transfer fee to land McClean should