Crown is Deery’s top target as Ballinamallard United move in

Deery, who spoke with the Waterside man on Monday evening, is facing competition from fellow Championship side Bangor and Premiership boys Ballinamallard United for Crown’s signature.

In fact it’s believed that United will step up their interest this week after boss Whitney Anderson returned from holidays last night.

Nevertheless Deery believes the 23-year-old will make his decision within the next week and he’s keeping his fingers crossed he gets his man.

“We are very keen to keep Graham, I met him on Monday night and I know he’s highly thought off by everyone at Stute,” said Deery.

“He’s adamant that he’ll probably make the decision this week and I’m hoping he decides to stay with Institute.

“He has been at Stute for six years and I have a feeling he’s a leader for us; I have offered him the captaincy of the club and the ball is firmly in his court so we’ll wait and see.

“But if we keep Graham I feel we maybe need another left-back before pre-season gets underway.”

Deery also confirmed that he has added another centre-back in Darryl McDermott, while a former team-mate at Derry City maybe added to the squad.

“Hopefully we can keep what we have, bring on a few more U19 players and maybe a striker, but every club is looking for a striker.

“I have added Darryl McDermott, he’s very competitive and he’s at age where he probably deserves to test himself at a higher level.

“But everyone that I have signed are all coming in to fight for their own spot.

“I also feel we need to maybe add another two experienced players to the squad.

“I’m hoping Paddy (McLaughlin) registers to play and maybe even Eddie McCallion could do a job for us.

“Eddie played in a end of season game against Glenavon recently for Mark Farren’s Fund and he certainly came into my thoughts after that performance.

“But I haven’t even spoken to him, but if he feels the challenge is right for him then you never know,

“But I’m jumping the gun here as I need to speak to him first.

“However you can never have too many experienced players in your squad, either way we’ll take a look again during pre-season.”