Linfield have tabled an improved cash offer for Dungannon Swifts hotshot Mark McAllister as well as agreeing terms with Derry City striker Kevin McHugh.

If McHugh passes his medical at Windsor Park today, ahead of the clash with Newry City, the £25,000 two-and-a-half year deal will be done.

The Blues were expecting the transfer fee to be around £20,000 after agreeing terms with the player but it is understood Candystripes boss Stephen Kenny chose to squeeze an extra £5,000 out of the champions at the last minute.

But Linfield have no intention of stopping their shopping adventure there and manager David Jeffrey is determined to land McAllister. The striker wants to join Linfield and the Swifts may decide to do business after this fresh offer.

However, Paul McAreavey looks certain to be leaving Windsor, with Ballymena United his likely destination.

Jeffrey had to bring fresh firepower to the club after Glenn Ferguson sustained a bad knee injury against Glentoran on Boxing Day.

“Kevin (McHugh) has been a long-time target for us and I still talk about the deal with a note of caution, as there is a medical to be passed, but terms have been agreed and he will be an excellent addition to the squad,” said Jeffrey.

“Our scout Willie McKeown has worked tremendously hard to make this transfer a reality and we are very grateful to him. Kevin was top goalscorer at Finn Harps for three years where his record there and with Derry City is impressive.

“We are fortunate that a move to Linfield suits his personal circumstances as he already has a full-time job with Derry City Council. An opportunity presented itself for us to sign the player and I am delighted it looks like we will. People should remember we missed out on Andy Waterworth in the summer when the Glens spent big money.”

Meanwhile, the Blues boss is waiting to see how McAreavey’s talks with Ballymena United unravel.

“Paul has a decision to make,” he added. “He will do what is best for him and his career but he has been a fabulous servant to Linfield and no-one will be pushing him out. I know he met with Roy Walker and was very impressed with what he had to say so something could develop.

“Matthew Doherty has also spoken to John Cunningham and a loan deal to Dungannon Swifts could be the best option.

“Glenavon manager Stephen McBride enquired about John Martin but John says he will not leave Windsor without a fight after taking so long to get here. As for Mark McAllister, he is a player we are very keen to sign and the Swifts are considering a very solid offer.”

Newry City will arrive at Windsor with an appalling record at the venue — the opening game of the 2001/02 season was the last time they picked up a point at the stadium in a 1-1 draw.

Manager Gerry Flynn is shaking up his squad this month with Coleraine’s Darren Cassidy expected to join the ranks.

------------------------------------------

Stephen Kenny is the favourite to take over from John McDonnell as St Patrick's Athletic boss, even though the Dubliner has a year left on his contract with League Cup holders Derry City.

St Pat's are looking for a new boss following McDonnell’s departure yesterday'after four years in charge at Richmond Park.

The Pat's board could try to tempt Kenny back to Dublin, as he began his coaching career there when he managed the U-21 side in the 1990s.