St Mirren have been handed a surprise boost ahead of the new season after centre-back Charles Dunne signed a new one-year contract extension.
The popular defender was expected to leave the Paisley club when his current deal expired at the end of June.
But in a surprising turn of events, the 30-year-old has decided to stay put – agreeing a new contract to stay with the Buddies for the 2023/24 season.
Speaking to stmirren.com, Dunne explained his change of heart came because he didn’t want to miss out on the brilliant camaraderie within the Saints changing room.
He said: “I’m buzzing to be back with the boys and the manager. I’ve really enjoyed it at St Mirren.
“We have a great dressing room with good people at the club so I’m over the moon.”
The defender has made 65 appearances so far in the stripes and will now head into his third season with St Mirren.
Saints boss manager Stephen Robinson was glad he was able to persuade the powerful centre-back, who he worked with previously at Fir Park, to commit to the club once again.
He added: “We’re delighted to have Charles with us for another year.
“We know what he brings to the team. He’s experienced, left-sided, quick, strong and he’s a big personality within the dressing room.”
The Buddies are also understood to be closing in on a loan deal for Maccabi Haifa striker Stav Nahmani.
The Israel Under-21s star was wanted by a number of English Championship and League One sides but St Mirren look to have fended off their interest to persuade the 20-year-old to move to Scotland.
It’s understood that a season-long loan deal has been agreed, with an option to buy at the end of the campaign set at £250,000.
The youngster, who has had recent loan spells in his homeland with Hapoel Nof HaGalil, Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Hadera, would help fill the striker gap left by Curtis Main – who left the Saints at the end of the season.
The Paisley club have also been linked with a move for Northern Ireland midfielder Liam Donnelly, with the battler’s current contract with Kilmarnock set to expire at the end of this month.
Robinson worked with the 27-year-old during his spell at Motherwell.
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