Glentoran in line for another potential transfer windfall as Wrexham plot move for former Irish League ace
Wrexham are reportedly plotting a move for former Irish League star Terry Devlin in the final hours of the transfer window with Glentoran in line to receive a potential financial windfall.
Devlin came through the ranks at Dungannon Swifts, making 25 Premiership appearances for the Co Tyrone club as a teenager before sealing a switch to full-time football with Glentoran.
Versatile Devlin ultimately only spent one season at the Glens before attracting the attention of Portsmouth, who made their move in 2023.
The 22-year-old helped Pompey seal League One title glory and has since made 57 Championship appearances, including 23 this term.
While Devlin established a reputation as one of Irish League’s best young midfielders, he has largely been deployed at right-back by Portsmouth, earning rave reviews from the club’s supporters.
With big-spending Wrexham on the search for reinforcements to bolster their Premier League promotion dream – Phil Parkinson’s side currently sit inside the play-off positions – Devlin is on their radar.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Devlin is one of two options being considered by Wrexham alongside Aston Villa's Kosta Nedeljkovic, who is reportedly their primary target.
However, if Devlin does make a move in the closing hours of the window, Glentoran could be set for a financial boost through a sell-on clause.
The Glens have already benefitted from Jamie McDonnell’s £1million switch from Nottingham Forest to Oxford United last month – the Northern Ireland ace came through the East Belfast club’s academy ranks.
In the absence of injured Conor Bradley, Devlin could be viewed as a serious option to fill Northern Ireland’s right wing-back position in March’s World Cup semi-final play-off trip to Italy.
Portsmouth manager John Mousinho will be keen to keep hold of Devlin as the Fratton Park outfit look to pull clear of relegation threat and has previously heaped praise on the Cookstown native.
"If you look at Terry with us, it’s at right-back where he has consistently performed at his best,” he told The Portsmouth News in September. "That versatility is a massive strength for a coach.
"Sometimes for a player that can work against you, although I don’t think it’s working against Terry at this point.
"Look at his career and how well he has done, coming over from Northern Ireland and already having an impact in that League One title season.
“Right-back is probably his best position and I know he has a lot of competition there, but he needs to keep on improving and keep working on forcing his way into the side.”