Derry City have won the race to sign Dundalk midfielder Patrick McEleney.
The 28-year-old - who was on the radar of a host of clubs including Glentoran and Larne - has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Candystripes.
The contract will be an initial two-year deal with the option of a third year.
He will rejoin Derry City at the expiry of his current deal with Dundalk.
Derry City are keen to secure the services of McEleney during the current transfer window but said "no agreement on that has been reached yet".
Derry boss Ruaidhri Higgins told Derry's website: “I’m really looking forward to working with Patrick again and we are delighted to be bringing one of the best players in the country back to his hometown club."
McEleney will return for a second spell at the Brandywell after leaving Derry to join Dundalk back in 2016.
He also had a spell across the water with Oldham Athletic before returning to Oriel Park.
