Portadown striker signs for Cliftonville

Â© Presseye Press Eye Ltd- December 26th 2014. .
Danske Bank Premiership. Portadown v Glenavon.
Portadown's Darren Murray
celebrates after scoring to make it 1-0
during the Boxing Day Derby at Shamrock Park
Mandatory Credit Photo by TONY HENDRON, Presseye.com — Â© Presseye Press Eye Ltd- December 26th 2014. . Danske Bank Premiership. Portadown v Glenavon. Portadown's Darren Murray celebrates after scoring to make it 1-0 during the Boxing Day Derby at Shamrock Park Mandatory Credit Photo by TONY HENDRON, Presseye.com

The clubs reached an agreement late last night (Thursday) after three days of negotiations. Derry City and Glentoran had also made offers for Murray who had submitted his second transfer request of the season.

Cliftonville hope to have the transfer legalities completed today so Murray can join the squad in time for this weekend’s clash with Glenavon.

A Portadown director confirmed that the transfer was a cash only payment with one instalment now and a second in July.

As part of the deal, Murray will not be allowed to play against his former Club in two weeks time.

The clubs have also agreed various bonuses should Murray be sold on or Cliftonville qualify for Europe.

The Portadown Director commented: “The deal was in the best interest of the player and Portadown FC.

“This eases the wage cap situation and we are hopeful of doing more business before the close of the January transfer window.”