Crusaders’ transfer-listed ace Ben Kennedy set to be Larne’s big-money January signing

Ben Kennedy joined Crusaders in 2020 after being released by Stevenage

Champions Larne are favourites to sign highly-rated playmaker Ben Kennedy as Linfield and Glentoran may not be able to afford the former Northern Ireland Under-21 international who has been placed on the transfer list by Crusaders.

Like Larne, Belfast’s ‘Big Two’ admire the 26-year-old, but with his current contract not up until the end of next season, sources suggest they will struggle to compete with Larne in terms of the transfer fee the Seaview outfit will demand.

Some League of Ireland clubs are also said to be monitoring Kennedy’s situation.

Kennedy has not played for the Crues since early November and is now expected to move on in the January transfer window.

He joined Crusaders in 2020 having been released by English side Stevenage and under Stephen Baxter became one of the best players in Irish League football.

Kennedy missed last season due to injury but started the current campaign on fire winning the Player of the Month award for August after a series of impressive performances, creating and scoring goals.

Now he looks to be headed out of the club who are currently fifth in the Sports Direct Premiership, losing 3-0 at home to Larne on their last outing.

In a statement on Monday, the club said: “As of this morning, Crusaders Football Club can confirm that Ben Kennedy has been placed on the transfer list.”

Last season on the way to winning their first ever top flight title, the Inver Park outfit made key January signings and many in the League would feel recruiting Kennedy would strengthen their hand in relation to retaining their crown.

Larne are also keen to bring in Cliftonville’s Chris Gallagher though whether such a move happens next