Derry City hope to land Will Patching on a permanent deal having signed him on loan today.
The Candystripes also snapped up former Waterford and Limerick attacking midfielder Will Fitzgerald and Swansea City winger Marc Walsh.
Dundalk midfielder Patching makes the switch to the Brandwell until July but Declan Devine has challenged the Englishman to earn a longer contract.
The former Manchester City academy prospect, 22, fell down the pecking order at the Lilywhites last season.
And he is not in manager Filippo Giovagnoli’s plans for the FAI Cup holders ahead of the new season.
But Devine is delighted with Derry’s bit of business and said: “We’ve been looking to add creativity to our midfield over the winter and Will brings that in spades.
“He’s a young lad with so much to offer and I’m delighted to bring him to Derry City.
“Will is here on loan from Dundalk until July with the option to become a permanent signing after that.
“His game time was limited last year because of competition for places.
“I want him to get back to enjoying his football and to being the dynamic player that he is and from what I’ve seen so far he will be a fantastic asset for this club.”
Attacking midfielder Fitzgerald can provide options in various positions and Devine was relieved to get his man.
“I’m not the first Derry City manager to try to bring Will to the Brandywell so I’m thrilled,” he added.
“He’s only 21 but he has already played more than 50 games in the League of Ireland which tells you something.
“He carries the ball out really well and is so composed with it at his feet. He’ll be a genuine goal threat for us and has real intensity to his game.”
On a busy day at the Brandywell, Devine also completed a move for ex-Finn Harps winger Walsh who returns from Swansea on a 12-month deal.
Devine said: “I know Marc through the Republic of Ireland underage set-up and know what a talent he is” said Devine.
“He attracted the attention of Bournemouth while at Swansea but unfortunately he picked up an injury while on trial.”
“The lad has energy and pace to burn. He can be a huge threat for us out wide and is the type of player who can excite the fans.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Jack Lemoignan, 20, has signed his first professional contract with Derry City,
