Cliftonville eager to wrap up loan deal for Bohemians winger Stephen Mallon

Cliftonville boss Paddy McLaughlin is hoping to add another player to his roster with the signing of 23-year-old Stephen Mallon on loan from Bohemians.

fter a successful campaign last season, when the Reds won the League Cup and finished second to Linfield in the Danske Bank Premiership, McLaughlin is striking while the iron is hot.

He has already signed Ronan Hale from Larne, Gerard Storey from Derry City, ex-Chesterfield defender Jamie Robinson and goalkeeper Fynn Talley has joined on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion.

And just yesterday the North Belfast club revealed they were able to re-sign young defender Luke Turner, who enjoyed an immense season on loan from Aberdeen last year.

Although not confirmed, it is understood the reigning Premiership Young Player of the Year — whom it’s believed recently rejected terms from Nottingham Forest — will return to Cliftonville on a two-year contract.

Left-sided player Mallon is expected to sign a new one-year deal with Bohs but is set to go on loan to Cliftonville until January.

The West Belfast man began life at Sheffield United before moving on loan to Derry in 2020, then signed for Bohs a year later.

Larne had an interest and were keen on a swap deal involving midfielder Fuad Sule, who is open to a new challenge, but that interest withered on the vine.