Larne defender set for dream Premier League switch

Larne's Crag Farquhar is linked with a move to Selhurst Park

Craig Farquhar is set to tie up a dream move to Premier League side Crystal Palace.

The 20-year-old defender, who only arrived at Inver Park from Ballymena United in June last year, is now following in the footsteps of Kofi Balmer who left Larne for Selhurst Park in 2022.

Balmer is currently on loan at League One side Port Vale.

The Eagles saw off competition from other cross-channel outfits to secure Farquhar’s signature in a permanent deal.

The Belfast Telegraph reported last August that Palace were among several Premier League clubs tracking the progress of the young defender.

Having come through the Ballymena United Academy and captaining the under-20s, he developed considerably under then-Sky Blues manager David Jeffrey, becoming a mainstay in the side.

He also scored a memorable header in their Irish Cup Semi-Final win over Larne.

The centre-back went on to become a key player with Tiernan Lynch’s champions, leading several top-flight teams from England to keep an eye on the youngster.

Farquhar’s move will secure Larne a six-figure transfer fee with add ons.

After he joined Larne, boss Lynch stated: “As a club, we have shown with a number of times how full-time football can play a hugely significant role in helping a player to progress even further and Craig is hungry to do that.”

Farquhar’s departure follows the Inver Park arrival of midfielder Chris Gallagher from Cliftonville, with Shea Gordon heading to Solitude.