Sligo Rovers have announced the signings of central defensive pair Charlie Wiggett from Newcastle United and Ollie Denham from Cardiff City ahead of the 2024 season.
Wiggett, who can also play right-full, had a spell with Chelsea before joining Newcastle, where he made his first-team debut under Eddie Howe last year.
Speaking about the acquisition of the 21-year-old, Sligo boss John Russell told sligorovers.com: "Charlie is a really good prospect, he was at the academy at Chelsea before moving to Newcastle.
"I am excited to bring him to the club. He has a bit of everything, he can play out from the back, he's aggressive, and he is very good at set plays. He is at the stage of his career where he needs first team football and we’re pleased to have him with us for the coming season."
Sligo have also announced the loan signing of another 21-year-old in Denham, as Russell looks to boost a key area of the team.
"We have Ollie on loan until the summer and he comes with a high pedigree," said Russell. "He has played a number of games in the Championship and has a lot of qualities. It is a really good opportunity for Ollie to play senior football and push on in a competitive league. I am really looking forward to working with Ollie and feel he can show his quality while he is here"
Elsewhere Dundalk midfielder Greg Sloggett has moved to English League One side Cheltenham Town on a short-term deal following his recent trial period.
Sloggett, who previously played for Derry City, made over 130 appearances for Dundalk, played in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League and was on the side that won the FAI Cup in 2020.
On his move to Cheltenham, the 27-year-old told the club's website: "It's been a funny old month trying to find the right club over here but I'm delighted to here at Cheltenham Town.
"As a midfielder I'll bring a bit of everything. I'm a box-to-box and I'll be a hard worker at the very minimum."
Meanwhile, St Patrick's Athletic have confirmed the signing of midfielder Arran Pettifer on a permanent deal.
The 20-year-old has featured twice for the Inchicore side in pre-season and has previously made two senior appearances for Bolton.
"I'm delighted to be here, it's a massive club in Ireland and it's a brilliant move for me at this stage of my career," Pettifer told the St Pat's website.
"I've been looking for an opportunity to move into senior football and once I heard Pat's were interested, it was a no brainer to come here.
"I joined Bolton when I was 8 and went all the way up through the ranks there and had some first team experience too in terms of training and being in squads."
