NEW Cliftonville boss Jim Magilton is unlikely to have the privilege of having Sean Moore in his ranks for the new season as the teenager edges closer to a big-money move to West Ham United.
The 17-year-old, who has lined out for both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland at underage level, took the Irish League by storm last season, coming through the ranks at Solitude and attracted cross-channel interest from several top clubs.
But West Ham – who were crowned Europa Conference League winners last week – have shown the strongest interest in the versatile left-footer and it is understood he is close to agreeing personal terms with the London club.
Magilton, who has brought former Reds boss Gerard Lyttle as his number two, may have to off-load a few players to bring some new faces in during the close season.
Veteran defender Colin Coates has already departed the club but fans’ favourite Chris Curran will be offered a new deal to stay.
Curran is one of the few survivors of the club’s last league success in 2014, under the guidance of the late Tommy Breslin.
The Cavan native didn’t play as much as he would have hoped under ex-boss Paddy McLaughlin – but the 31-year-old still has plenty left in the tank as Magilton mulls over his options.
The underbelly at Cliftonville is in rude health, however, with a whole host of young players hoping to do a ‘Sean Moore’ in 2023/24 by making the decisive breakthrough at senior level.
Jack Berry and Shea Kearney are two lauded teenagers who signed professional deals recently and could add some much-needed freshness to the Cliftonville first team.
