Bobby Burns linked with Irish League exit as Cliftonville step up striker hunt

Cliftonville look set to step up their search for a striker as Ben Wilson closes in on a move to Airdrie. The frontman had a stellar season in the Irish League following his return from Brighton last summer.

Wilson bagged 19 goals as the Reds won the Irish Cup and finished third in the league. Jim Magilton had been hoping to entice the 22-year-old to extend his stay at Solitude.

But Wilson was always keen to get back to full-time football and is set to complete a move to Airdrie. Wilson's departure follows on quickly from Sam Ashford's exit from Solitude after he linked up with National League side Wealdstone.

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Ryan Curran is set to return from injury but it seems the Reds will move to strengthen their striking options especially with Ronan Hale still being linked with a move to England. Another player who looks set for the Solitude exit door is defender Paddy Burns.

Burns rejoined Cliftonville last January after three years at Notre Dame University. The 23-year-old is back in America at present with his future still to be resolved.

Burns' brother Bobby also looks set to leave the Irish league following his departure from Glentoran at the end of last season. The midfielder is being heavily linked with a move to League of Ireland side Galway United.

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