Ross County are hoping to finalise a deal to bring Cliftonville striker Ronan Hale to Dingwall – which could pave the way for Simon Murray’s exit.
The Staggies have had a bid accepted from the Reds for Hale, who netted 21 goals in 31 appearances last season.
The 25-year-old was due to arrive in the Highlands today, as the Staggies aim to conclude a deal.
Hale’s imminent arrival could move last season’s leading scorer Murray a step closer to leaving Victoria Park.
Murray, who netted 23 goals last season, has been the subject of concrete interest from Premiership rivals Hibernian and Dundee.
The 32-year-old is understood to be keen on a move due to family reasons, but is believed the Staggies want the Hale deal over the line before they entertain any bids for Murray.
Wright in line to feature against Clach
County are hoping to pitch new signing Akil Wright into action in Tuesday’s friendly against Clachnacuddin at Grant Street Park.
Defender Wright has joined the Staggies on a three-year deal, after completing a switch from English League One side Stockport County for an undisclosed fee.
The 28-year-old has played the entirety of his career in English football, starting his senior career with non-league side Ilkeston Town after being with Sheffield United as a youth player.
Wright was handed an English Football League opportunity by Fleetwood Town in 2015 but did not make the breakthrough, spending time on loan with AFC Fylde, Barrow and Wrexham – who he joined permanently in 2018.
His spell with the Welsh outfit proved to be successful, as he went on to make 97 appearances in just over two years.
Wright spent two years with York City, before joining Stockport in 2022, and helped the club achieve promotion to League One last season.
With Wright up to speed having been in training with Stockport, the Staggies are hoping to feature him for at least 45 minutes against Clach.
Having pursued Wright throughout the summer, Staggies boss Don Cowie is thrilled to complete a deal for the versatile player – who can also provide an option in midfield.
Cowie said: “We are absolutely delighted to finalise the signing of Akil. We identified Akil at the end of the season as a player who we believe is a great fit for our football.
“Akil has a wealth of experience in English football, predominantly playing in defence but has the versatility to also play in midfield.”
Staggies boss looking to rotate squad
Cowie is planning to rotate his squad, after the Staggies began their pre-season campaign with a 2-1 win over Brora Rangers at Dudgeon Park on Saturday.
Cowie handed the bulk of his starting line-up an hour of action – aside from goalscoring trialist Jordon Garrick, who was forced off towards the end of the first half with a dead leg.
The Staggies boss says those who were on the bench will be given more game time at Grant Street Park, in County’s final warm-up game before they open their Premier Sports Cup campaign away to Stranraer on Saturday.
That means there will likely be starting opportunities for the likes of Connor Randall, Scott Allardice, Eamonn Brophy, Josh Reid, Michee Efete and Alex Samuel.
Cowie said: “We’ve been back just short of two weeks and for our first friendly it was good for the majority to get about an hour under their belt.
“We’ll do the same for the players who played the last 30 minutes in our game against Clach on Tuesday.
“That will then lead us into the Stranraer game.”
Conversation