Collins has already captured the Bohemians pair of Trevor Molloy and Brian Shelley on Bosman deals but he will need to get his cheque book out if he wants to sign Kelly, who he describes as "the best central defender in Ireland by a mile." United may have to break their transfer record to capture Kelly after Derry turned down a bid of £100,000 for him last year. The club's record pay-out was established in October 1993 when they parted with £121,000 to sign David Reeves from Notts County. Prospective owner John Courtenay has said he will make money available for players and Kelly could be the first major signing. Collins is very hopeful that Derry will no longer stand in Kelly's way. "I have put our attention back on Darren Kelly," he said. "We have opened negotiations again and I will be chatting to Derry again in the next week. It looks like he will be a Carlisle United player next season. He wants to come and the club realise they should not stand in his way. They have been very gracious. He is a superb player and he would be a star player in the Third or Second Division." Tranmere and Leicester have also shown an interest in Kelly, as have Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic. However it does seem that the player has his heart set on Brunton Park after Collins's dogged pursuit of the 22-year-old. Derry manager Kevin Mahon said of Kelly: "He is the best centre-half in Ireland as far as I'm concerned and without a doubt he has the potential to go all the way." |
