Dundalk have signed Albanian goalkeeper Alessio Abibi while Derry City hope to land sharp-shooter David Parkhouse for a second time.
The FAI Cup holders were on the hunt for a new No 1 following Gary Rogers’ retirement last month, while Aaron McCarey left Oriel Park for Cliftonville.
Italian-born Abibi, 24, is a former Albanian youth international and was on Filippo Giovagnoli’s radar having played in Italy’s lower leagues.
Abibi started out with Pescara and had loan spells at Perugia and Gavorrano. He also played for Spanish side Eldense and KF Tirana in Albania.
During his time in Tirana, he won an Albanian Cup and Super Cup before returning to Italy with spells with Serie C side Avellino and Cavese 1919.
Giovagnoli said: “Alessio was one of the goalkeepers that I studied and scouted and of them all, he was the one with the best characteristics of how we want to play.
“He’s big, really good in the air, strong on defensive set-pieces, brave and good on the ball in the build-up.
“He is also young, only 24, and is a player that we can develop. He has a brilliant future ahead of him.”
Elsewhere, Derry are in talks with Sheffield United about landing Parkhouse for a second spell - but this time on a permanent deal.
His loan spell with Hartlepool expired at the weekend but he could yet make the Derry switch despite being under contract with the Blades until 2022.
Parkhouse scored 19 goals in 39 appearances during his loan spell with Derry City in 2019 and made the PFAI Team of the Year.
Candystripes boss Declan Devine told the Derry Journal: “We would like to bring David to the club but we’ve been in this situation before.
“This time last year it fell through and until such agreements are made with David or Sheffield United, things can happen very quickly or a line could be drawn.
“Yes, we’ve spoken to David and got the ball rolling with Sheffield United to see if there’s anything they would be interested in doing.
“But it could happen quickly or it could be put to bed very quickly.”
Ian Bermingham has signed a new deal with St Pat’s, making it his 11th year with the Saints since signing in January 2010.
Bermingham said: “I’ve had brilliant times and the highs far outweigh the lows. I have loved every minute of it and the club have been good to me. I’m delighted it’s continuing.”
Finn Harps have signed midfielder Conor Barry from Galway United and boss Ollie Horgan said: “He’s good on the ball, likes to get forward and hopefully gives us a lift.”
Cork City have signed former Cobh Ramblers goalkeeper Paul Hunt but veteran Mark McNulty has also penned a new deal where he will be a player-coach.
Uniss Kargbo and Cory Galvin have also re-signed for Rebels boss Colin Healy ahead of their First Division promotion push.
