League Of Ireland champions Dundalk have expressed an interest in both Rory Patterson and Mark Quigley. Shamrock Rovers are also keen to sign Patterson, a former Northern Ireland international, who has admitted his Derry City future is in doubt.

"I want to know where I'm going to be playing next year if I'm not wanted at Derry," said Patterson, who is contracted with the club until the end of 2015.

"I'm a big boy, I'm not going to cry about it. If the club needs to clear its finances the way it has been put to me, then obviously I'm not going to be there.

"The last conversation I had with the manager, I was told that the club was going to have a meeting about the budget but I haven't heard anything since."

Elsewhere, former Irish international Mark Kinsella has joined Drogheda United as assistant to new manager Johnny McDonnell.

It's something of a surprise that Kinsella, who won the last of his 48 international caps in 2004, has agreed to the number two role in Drogheda, having been linked with the top job.

McDonnell's departure leaves Shelbourne looking for a new boss.

Meanwhile, Sligo Rovers' new signing, Eoin Wearan, believes his reunion with Owen Heary can spark success for the Connacht club.

Heary's arrival from Bohemians last month has sparked an upsurge in interest in the club following their underwhelming season.

"It was an easy decision to sign here because of the fact I had a great relationship with Owen last year (at Bohemians). I saw what Sligo Rovers had to offer in terms of facilities and knew this was the place for me," said Wearen.

"I definitely think the squad we have here is capable of winning trophies. That's why I am here, I am ambitious myself. I want to be competing at the top of the table."

Heary added: "Eoin is a very talented player so I was delighted to persuade him to come here given the fact there was competition for his services."

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