Glentoran boss Mick McDermott insists wantaway defender Caolan Marron will only be allowed to leave the club during the current transfer window if a “suitable offer” is received for the player.
It was recently reported that Marron, who has been omitted from the Ovalmen’s initial NIFL squad list for the new season, had asked to part company with the Big Two giants.
But while Larne are being linked with the 24-year-old in the wake of Kofi Balmer’s move to Crystal Palace, McDermott says the centre-back won’t be leaving on the cheap.
Read more: Larne 0 Glentoran 0: Cagey season opener ends in stalemate at Inver Park
Asked if it is now ‘inevitable’ that Marron will part company with the Glens before the end of the summer window on August 31, McDermott said: “No, he’s got two years left on his contract.
“We will only accept (a move) if we get a suitable offer. His agent is working hard for him and we have no problem accommodating a move. No problem.
“But if it happens before the end of the window? I don’t know. If nothing comes in, he will remain with us and play for the reserves.”
Marron, who represented Northern Ireland at U21 level, has made 82 appearances for Glentoran since joining the Mersey Street men from Glenavon in January 2020.
Of the current squad, only Joe Crowe, Ruaidhri Donnelly, Hrvoje Plum, Paddy McClean, Willie Garrett and Marcus Kane have played more times for the club.
Meanwhile, McDermott, who has been busy in the summer transfer market to date, isn’t ruling out more 'ins or outs' before the end of the month.
“I’m sure there’ll be more business done because other teams want our players,” he said. “I’ve had calls this week about a few of our players.
“On both sides it can be a ‘no but then a ‘no’ sometimes turns into a ‘yes’ if it’s attractive to both sides. That’s the nature of the game we’re in.”
No fewer than seven players, including Ally Roy, Aidan Wilson and James Singleton who featured in Friday night’s 0-0 draw at Larne, have been added to McDermott’s squad in recent weeks.
But nine have also headed for the exit door, including Robbie McDaid, who joined Big Two rivals Linfield at the end of his contract, Gael Bigirimana and Dillon Powers.
Jordan Jenkins and Darren Cole have also made loan moves to Portadown and Dungannon Swifts, while Michael O’Connor joined Dungannon on Thursday.
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