Larne have secured the high-profile signing of influential Ballymena United captain Leroy Millar.
The dynamic midfielder had been strongly linked with a move to the Inver Reds after it emerged he had already agreed a pre-contract with the East Antrim club.
Millar’s imminent arrival at Inver Park is Tiernan Lynch’s second transfer move of the summer following the recent signing of versatile Cliftonville full-back Aaron Donnelly.
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Larne boss Lynch said: "We are absolutely delighted to bring Leroy to the club.
“He has been a huge driving force over the last number of years and helps bring another dimension to the team and the squad."
Millar, who skippered Ballymena in last month's Irish Cup final, said playing full-time football was a major deciding factor in making the decision to part company with his hometown club.
The Cullybackey native said: “The chance to play professional football is massive for me and I can’t wait to get started and give everything for the club.
“I’m at a wonderful club and the professionalism in and around the club is really noticeable and the change from four or five years ago to now is massive.
“Not just on the pitch, but off the pitch as well and hopefully I can come and help to push things on even further."
Millar's transfer to Larne was confirmed two hours after the Inver Park club said it had accepted an "undisclosed fee" from Ballymena for striker Davy McDaid.
McDaid, who has requested to leave Larne, is now free to discuss personal terms with the Braidmen.
In a brief statement, Ballymena United said: “Leroy Millar has agreed to join Larne at the expiry of his contract with Ballymena United.
“At a time that’s deemed appropriate, the club will comment further.”
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