Larne boss Tiernan Lynch says Davy McDaid's ambition for regular football was the reason behind the striker's potential departure from Inver Park.
The club confirmed on Thursday that it has accepted an "undisclosed offer" from Ballymena United for the 31-year-old.
McDaid - who will now discuss personal terms with the Sky Blues - played 31 Premiership games last season but a number of those appearances came from the bench.
Read more: Ballymena United seal Davy McDaid deal as Larne striker moves to Showgrounds
Lynch says McDaid requested to leave the club this summer, but praised the striker for his contribution in Larne 's recent success story which included back-to-back Co Antrim Shield wins and successive European qualifications.
His exit was announced on the same day Larne confirmed the signing of Ballymena captain Leroy Millar.
Larne said on their website: "We can confirm the club have accepted an undisclosed offer from Ballymena United for Davy McDaid, after the striker requested to leave the club.
"At the end of the 2021/22 season talks took place between the player and manager Tiernan Lynch, with the player requesting to leave after almost five years at the club.
"A formal offer has been submitted from United, which has been accepted, and they are now free to discuss personal terms with the player."
Lynch added: “Davy has expressed his desire to leave after the conclusion of the last season.
“Coming into his 30’s he wants regular football and I can understand that and respect it.
“Of course we don’t want to lose him and he has played an integral part on the journey we’ve been on for these last five years.
“However we respect his request and we have accepted an offer from Ballymena, who will now be able to discuss personal terms with Davy.”
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