Lowry bid accepted by the Bannsiders

STEPHEN Lowry looks to be heading out of The Showgrounds after Coleraine last night ‘reluctantly’ accepted a bid for him from Linfield.
©Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland - 16th March 2013. Mandatory Credit - Photo by Andrew Paton/Presseye.com, Danske Bank Premiership, Dungannon Swifts vs Coleraine at Stangmore Park. Stephen Lowry of Coleraine celebrates after he scored a goal against Dungannon©Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland - 16th March 2013. Mandatory Credit - Photo by Andrew Paton/Presseye.com, Danske Bank Premiership, Dungannon Swifts vs Coleraine at Stangmore Park. Stephen Lowry of Coleraine celebrates after he scored a goal against Dungannon
©Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland - 16th March 2013. Mandatory Credit - Photo by Andrew Paton/Presseye.com, Danske Bank Premiership, Dungannon Swifts vs Coleraine at Stangmore Park. Stephen Lowry of Coleraine celebrates after he scored a goal against Dungannon

The Blues have been chasing the midfielder since the season ended and had one bid for him rebuffed, but it seems that a deal is now close to allow Lowry to link up with his brother at Windsor Park.

A statement released by the Bannsiders last night said: “The club have reluctantly accepted a bid from Linfield for midfielder Stephen Lowry.

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“He (Lowry) has now been granted permission to discuss personal terms with the Windsor Park club.”

Meanwhile it was also confirmed last night that long-serving defender Kyle McVey is also leaving the club.

Manager Oran Kearney offered McVey a new one-year deal two weeks ago, which included a testimonial to mark his decade of service at The Showgrounds.

But McVey has stalled on the offer and entered into negotiations with another Premiership side without consulting or informing the club.

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Kearney said: “I’m disappointed with how the situation has developed and as a result I have withdrawn the offer of both contract and testimonial. I would like to thank Kyle for all his efforts with the club and wish him all the best for the future.”

COLERAINE have agreed new contracts with three players though. Gareth Tommons, who impressed in the second half of the season after returning from a year in Australia, has signed a one-year extension.

Paul Owens has signed a two-year deal as has Craig Moore, who has been formally promoted to the first team squad after a number of appearances towards the end of the last campaign.