FOOTBALL: Boyce to complete German move
CLIFTONVILLE striker Liam Boyce is set to complete a massive move to Bundesliga giants Werder Bremen.
The 19-year-old was in Germany yesterday for a medical before putting pen-to-paper on what would be a dream deal.
Cliftonville boss Eddie Patterson confirmed yesterday that a fee had been agreed between the two clubs and that Boyce had finalised personal terms.
It is a bizarre turnaround for the Solitude teenager who thought his move into professional football had evaporated after a deal with Bundesliga 2 outfit SpVgg Greuther Furth sensationally collapsed last week.
Now the Northern Ireland Under 21 star is preparing to join a Bremen squad that is looking forward to Champions League football this season.
"Liam is in Germany for a medical, and that should complete the deal," Reds boss Patterson said.
"Bremen made an approach some time ago, and they watched Liam play on Friday night against Crusaders – as did a number of clubs.
"Things then developed over the weekend and now the deal is almost done.
"The two clubs have agreed a fee and Liam has sorted out personal terms."
Patterson added: "The plan is that Liam will be in the first team squad, but he will probably play most of his football in the second team.
"But he will still be part of a squad that is playing in the Champions League, so that can only enhance Liam's football."
News of the Bremen deal broke yesterday evening, a development that Cliftonville had been trying to avoid.
"We were very reluctant to put it out in the open," Patterson added.
"I don't know how it got released, but now it is in the public domain.
We had planned to keep it hush-hush until the deal was done.
"But we are delighted for Liam. Full-time football is a dream come true for the lad and he deserves it.
"It is a chance to fulfil his potential."
Patterson – who is preparing for tonight's massive Carling Premiership clash with Glentoran - now has to find a replacement for Boyce before the transfer deadline.
But he admits time is running out for him to add to his squad.
"It is going to be difficult. I only have 24 hours to try and find someone," he said.
"We are small in numbers so we have to try and bring someone in."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
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