The title rivals have both identified the 24-year-old as a player that can improve their squad, although initial enquiries have been knocked back.
It’s expected that Shamrock Rovers will launch a bid for his services in January, with the income they have secured from their European run giving the Hoops the financial muscle to test the Bit O’Red’s determination to keep hold of a player they signed from Dundalk last winter.
The former Middlesbrough trainee signed a one-year contract extension at The Showgrounds in October, describing the decision to pen a new deal as a ‘no-brainer’ with his boss John Russell calling Malley the “most complete midfielder in the league”.
However, his attributes have alerted other managers to his capabilities, and Stephen Bradley name-checked Malley in the context of a question about Dylan Watts after Shamrock Rovers’ European success over TNS on Thursday.
“He [Watts] is one of the very few players in this league – him and maybe Malley from Sligo – that can penetrate and take the ball on in one movement, a unique skill,” said Bradley.
Rovers are expected to revisit the issue in the new year and hold an advantage over Shels because the depth of their squad would allow them to offer players on loan in part exchange.
It could be a challenging few weeks for Russell with Simon Power’s move to St Patrick’s Athletic confirmed yesterday.
“There were many factors in me joining. The idea of working under Stephen Kenny again was a major pull, working under him at the Ireland Under-21s was some of the best times of my career,” said Power.
“I think it’s a really exciting time to be at St Pat’s, off the back of their form at the end of last season, we’ve got European football to look forward to next season as well, and ultimately I want to come here and win.”
Sligo’s Ellis Chapman is out of contract and on the radar of several rivals with Shelbourne also keen, although the 23-year-old is believed to be keen to explore options back in his native England before committing to another campaign in Ireland.
The PFAI released their transfer list with several prominent players featuring although some remain in negotiations with current clubs.
Power’s arrival at St Patrick’s Athletic should confirm that Alex Nolan is surplus to requirements, with Bohemians interested in a winger who tormented them as a substitute with a late cameo in last year’s FAI Cup final.
Bohs are looking to sign a player involved in this year’s final with second-half Derry City substitute Colm Whelan wanted by Alan Reynolds. Whelan’s time at Derry has been dogged by injuries.
