Larne target Stephen Folan holds the key to Andy Boyle’s potential return to champions Dundalk.
Capped once by Ireland, Boyle is continuing to weigh up his options following his release from Preston North End.
The Lilywhites remain the favourites to land the centre-back but there is also interest from Scottish and League One clubs.
Boyle won the Scottish Championship title this season during a loan spell with Ross County.
But speculation was mounting last night that Oriel Park is the 28-year-old’s likeliest destination.
Fellow centre-back Folan has been a fringe player since moving to Dundalk at the start of last season.
And his imminent departure this summer would free up cash to intensify efforts to land Boyle as a marquee signing.
Mirror Sport understands that Irish League side Larne - promoted to the Danske Bank Premiership ahead of next season- have already offered Folan a contract.
He is mulling over those terms but Sligo Rovers remain admirers and it is believed Folan would favour a switch to the Showgrounds.
Bit O’Red boss Liam Buckley tried to sign Folan - the former Newcastle United man - when he was in charge of St Patrick’s Athletic.
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