Bohemians have bolstered their defensive options ahead of the new season by securing the services of Torino's Senan Mullen on a season-long loan deal.
Mullen, who has been capped at underage level by the Republic of Ireland, began his career at Dundalk before signing for Il Toro just under two years ago.
The 20-year-old Cootehill native has yet to make his first-team debut for the Serie A outfit, but signed a new contract with the Turin club this summer before a loan spell at Mantova.
Mullen has previous experience working under Stephen O'Donnell, with the Bohemians assistant manager handing the centre-half his first-team debut at Dundalk during his time in charge.
Reacting on his return to Irish football, Mullen said: "I'm delighted to be here and this is a great opportunity for me to prove myself at senior level.
"I spoke to Rennie [Alan Reynolds, manager] and Stephen O’Donnell, and I liked everything that they had to say about the club, the project for this year, the group that is already here and how they see me fitting into it.
"It was all really positive. I really enjoyed working with Stevie at Dundalk. This is a great league to play in, there are a lot of eyes on it and I just want to get in now and show people what I can do.
"I could have gone on loan to another club in Europe but with the league here only starting now, the chance to have a full season at a club like Bohs really appealed to me, particularly with the club in Europe this season.
"Every player wants to play in the biggest games they can so I’m really looking forward to getting started and to the season ahead."
Reynolds added: "Senan is a big strong centre-back and someone we have been keeping an eye on for a long time.
"He was obviously with Dundalk before he went to Italy when Stevie was there and he is rated extremely highly.
"He is a really exciting young talent who we have with us now for the season, so we really believe he will be a great addition to the group we have.
"He is an imposing defender, he’s good on the ball and he’s quick. He’s coming back to Ireland for the year and really hungry to play and do well."
Mullen becomes the eighth new arrival at Dalymount Park, following the addition of Patrick Hickey (Galway United), Sam Todd (Derry City), Hugh Martin (UCD), Harry Vaughan (Hull City, loan), Ryan Burke (Waterford), Paul Walters (FC Cincinnati, loan) and Sadou Diallo (Derry City).
Meanwhile, St Patrick's Athletic have signed striker Ryan Edmondson from Australian side Central Coast Mariners.
The 24-year-old Englishman has scored nine goals in 48 games across all competitions since moving Down Under in January 2024.
Previous to his spell with the Mariners, Edmondson played for the likes of York City, Leeds United, Aberdeen and Carlisle United.
"It's great to be here," he said of his move to Inchicore.
"It's a big move for me coming from the other side of the world and it's taken a long time traveling to get here, but I'm really excited and hopefully myself and the club can have a really successful period together.
"I was coming towards the end of my contract at the Mariners and we were looking to come back towards European football and things like that. The gaffer (Stephen Kenny) rang me and explained his ambitions and where he wants the club to go and that really drove me towards signing. He thinks that I can add to the squad and play a part in that."
St Pat's will open their campaign against Bohemians at Aviva Stadium on Sunday, 8 February.
