Barry McNamee is expected to sign for SSE Airtricity League champions Cork City on a one-year deal later today.

The Ramelton man has established himself as one of the finest midfielders in the League of Ireland over the past five seasons with Derry City.

McNamee joined the Derry youth set-up from Swilly Rovers and made his first senior appearance against UCD in the League Cup in 2011.

He made great strides forward the following season, and helped the Candystripes to the FAI Cup, when they defeated St Patrick’s Athletic at the Aviva Stadium.

McNamee went on to become an intergral part of the Derry side, and played in the Europa League for the Brandywell outfit.

However, they were not genuine title contenders in recent times, and the 25-year-old is said to have become increasingly frustrated this season.

He will now link up with Cork City, who are on a high after completing a league and cup double in 2017.

Experienced midfielder Greg Bolger left the Rebels for Shamrock Rovers yesterday. However, Cork manager John Caulfield has managed to retain the services of Kark Sheppard, while Tobi Adebayo-Rowling will also move to Leeside from Sligo Rovers.