McHugh signs for Linfield

DERRY City and Linfield have agreed a fee, believed to be in the region of £20,000, for striker Kevin McHugh, who is poised to pen a two-and-a-half year contract with the Belfast club tomorrow.

The Killea man will complete his switch to Windsor Park, pending completion of a medical. Extratime.ie understands that personal terms have been agreed between the player and Blues boss David Jeffreys.

A statement on the Derry City website this afternoon confirmed the news: “Derry City and Linfield have this afternoon agreed terms for the transfer of striker Kevin Mc Hugh. The player will now join the Blues subject to passing a medical and agreeing personal terms with the Belfast outfit,” it read. “The club would like to wish Kevin well with his new club and thank him for his efforts and commitment whilst at the Brandywell.”

28-year old McHugh signed for Derry from Finn Harps following the Donegal club’s relegation in December 2005. In recent times, the player has juggled life as a full-time footballer with his job as an IT Specialist with Donegal County Council.

The arrangement between McHugh and his employers to allow him that flexibility was no longer available, making it impossible for the player to see out the final season of his three-year contract with Stephen Kenny’s outfit.

McHugh, who has netted 116 League goals in the League of Ireland, is expected to sign a contract with the reigning Irish League Champions after their game against Newry tomorrow

Meanwhile, Derry goalkeeper Darren Quigley has agreed to sign on loan for First Division side Sporting Fingal, after a proposed move to Dundalk fell through this week.

There is also growing speculation surrounding the futures of former Derry midfielder Owen Morrisson and former Derry and Finn Harps striker Stephen Parkhouse, who are both reported to have agreed terms with Sligo Rovers.