Cliftonville close in on former Celtic player

Former Celtic man Ben Wylie is on the brink of a move to Cliftonville

Cliftonville are closing in on signing Northern Ireland Under-21 midfielder Ben Wylie.

The Belfast Telegraph understands that discussions are ongoing and it is hoped a deal can be completed.

Former Celtic ace Wylie was playing in Sweden last year with Ytterhogdals IK who were managed by former Linfield and Larne striker Thomas Stewart.

Now back home several clubs have shown an interest in him with the Reds leading the race.

Cliftonville are enjoying a fabulous season, masterminded by manager Jim Magilton.

In third place in the Sports Direct Premiership and playing superb football, the Solitude outfit, who travel to Coleraine on Friday in the Irish Cup, are keen to maintain that form and clearly feel Wylie could help them do that.

At 16 Wylie left Linfield for Celtic where he was unfortunate with injuries.

He had loan spells at Ballymena United and Airdrie during his time at Parkhead and in 2023 showed his quality in Sweden after leaving the Hoops behind to play regular first team football.

Meanwhile, Larne have announced the signing of Scottish keeper Aidan McAdams on a short-term deal until the end of the season. The 24-year-old joins the champions following his departure from Edinburgh City.

The former Scotland Under-19 shot stopper is returning for a second spell in the Irish League, following a loan spell with Portadown back in 2020.

“I’m really glad to be here,” he said. “I’ve always been keen to try a new challenge and the move to Larne allows me to do that, so I’m really excited to get that under way. This is a club moving in the right direction and that’s another reason why I’ve chosen to come here to Larne. It’s a challenge, but I’ve come here