IRISH LEAGUE: Cliftonville boss Gerard Lyttle says '˜ball remains in Ports court' over Darren Murray future

The Reds have tabled a bid for Ports star and are waiting on a response from the Shamrock Park club.

Derry City have also made a cash-only offer for the 24-year-old forward, who was placed on the transfer list last week at the player’s request.

With Portadown playing Ballinamallard on Friday night in the Premiership, Lyttle does not expect any movement until after the weekend.

“I spoke to our chairman about it a couple of days ago, and as far as I am aware nothing has changed since then,” Lyttle said.

“The ball is in Portadown’s court. It is down to them what they want to do.

“Cliftonville Football Club has done all it can do and now we wait.

“Portadown obviously have a game on Friday night, so they will be fully focused on that. I am sure Darren will be a part of their plans for that game.

“My full focus is on our game on Saturday with Glenavon. All I am concerned about is my starting XI, my subs and getting three points.

“Everything else is peripheral and can wait until after Saturday afternoon.”

Cliftonville will be without strike duo Davy McDaid and Daniel Hughes for Saturday’s trip to Mourneview Park – both are injured.

Jude Winchester, Eamonn Seydak and Caoimhin Bonner are also sidelined.