Derry City have won the race to sign Preston North End midfielder Adam O’Reilly, strengthening their bid to secure the SSE Airtricity Premier Division title this season.

O’Reilly has been one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market following his loan spell at St Patrick’s Athletic last season.

The 21-year-old has been an impressive performer for the Saints. But considered beyond the requirements of the championship team. This paved the way for a transfer this month.

Saints and Shamrock Rovers are just some of the teams chasing his signature. This includes offers from English Football League clubs and Scottish teams.

However, he has opted to move to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium to work under Ruaidhri Higgins as they attempt to topple the bench after winning the FAI Cup and finishing second in the league.

O’Reilly said: “This has been the hardest decision of my career so far. Because there are so many great clubs looking for me.

“I am very impressed with what Ruaidhri said. I want to play at the highest level possible. And I have to challenge myself to do so.

“I played against Derry last year. And I know they are a good team and have the potential that the club has.

“There is a very bad quality in the team. and there will be a real competition for positions

“It’s pretty clear as well that there’s a great group of players at the club. And it seems like a good changing room to be a part of.”

“I want to push myself as a player. So this is my move.

Higgins described O’Reilly as one of the best players in the country.

The City manager added: “He gave us a completely different dynamic from what we had. And from our talks it was clear that he has an incredible drive to maximize his potential.”

“He showed us a real decisiveness. And that’s the type of player we want here.

“He has scope to improve as well. and we will try to help him to do so.

“I believe it makes perfect sense for both parties. And we look forward to working with Adam.”

O’Reilly flew to Alicante to link up with Derry at pre-season training camp.

Elsewhere, Cork City have bolstered their squad with the signing of Kevin Čustović on loan from Danish side Vejle.

The 22-year-old defender spent the second half of last season on loan at Orebro in his native Sweden. and joins Colin’s team Healy on loan in 2023

Čustović said: “I’m very pleased to join Cork City and look forward to playing for the Rebel Army. I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m a hard-working wing-back. I have a huge passion for the game. And I want to do a good job for the team. I’m looking forward to playing in front of the fans. and I can guarantee that they will fight for Game over for the team.”

City boss Colin Healy is pleased with his latest arrest: “We are delighted to have Kevin on board. We have been working hard to identify the signings who will be added to the squad. And we feel that Kevin has the ability to do that.

“He is a versatile defensive player. He works hard and has a great attitude. We are looking forward to welcoming him into the group and seeing him on the pitch.”