Linfield are considering moving to sign Dundalk striker Pat Hoban.
The Irish League Premiership champions this week secured the services of Chris Shields, who cut short his contract at Oriel Park by six months.
Now David Healy is turning his attentions to Hoban, whose contract expires at the end of this season and is reportedly open to leaving Oriel Park.
The Blues could now test Dundalk’s resolve to retain the Loughrea man, who turns 30 later this month.
Hoban scored 34 goals for the club in 2013 and 2014 and following spells with Oxford United, Stevenage, Grimsby Town and Mansfield Town, returned to Oriel Park in 2018 where he has since found the net on 56 occasions.
Linfield are taking the momentous step in becoming a full time operation under Healy, who is primed to deliver further glory for the Windsor Park club after claiming the Double last season.
Meanwhile, Will Patching returns from Derry City to Dundalk, where he will go straight into midfield for tonight’s clash with Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.
“I enjoyed it at Derry with Declan Devine and Ruaidhri Higgins giving me the freedom to play and I got a good run of games under my belt,” said Patching.
“I feel fitter and stronger and it’s what I needed for a couple of years now.
“I’m excited to be back now and I just want to carry on where I left off and play as many games as I can and chip in with as many goals and assists as I can.”
But Vinny Perth’s worries in the heart of his defence continue as a midweek operation may keep Andy Boyle out, with Sonni Nattestad a doubt due to a back problem. Fellow centre backs Dan Cleary and Brian Gartland won’t return until next month and November respectively.
