Striker Darren Murray signs for Cliftonville

Darren Murray joins Cliftonville from Portadown on a three-and-a-half year deal

Cliftonville have signed striker Darren Murray from Portadown on a three-and-a-half year deal.

He will be eligible to play for the Reds in Saturday's Irish Premiership match against Glenavon having signed before the midday deadline on Friday.

Murray was linked with Derry City but wanted to play for his boyhood club.

"Darren is a player we've been tracking for some time. We're looking forward to seeing him in action in a Cliftonville shirt," said manager Gerard Lyttle.

The 24-year-old former Newry City and Donegal Celtic striker played for the Reds as a trialist in 2010 against Knockbreda.

Portadown are understood to have turned down several offers for their prized asset last week before finally agreeing terms with Cliftonville on Friday morning.

Derry City are also believed to have tabled a bid for the striker.

"As you would expect for someone of his quality, there was significant interest from other clubs but it was very clear in his mind this was the place for him," added Lyttle.