Elgin City explore possibility of transfer move for Shane Sutherland
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ELGIN City are exploring an option to bring striker Shane Sutherland back for a fourth spell at Borough Briggs.
The former Caley Thistle front man is believed to have expressed an interest in returning to the club who sold him to Peterhead in January.
City manager Gavin Price told the Northern Scot he would be happy to see a player of Sutherland’s calibre back in his squad, but only if it was “financially viable”.
Highland League champions and League 2 new boys Cove Rangers are rumoured to be weighing up a move for Sutherland, who has been made available for transfer by Peterhead, allegedly due to travel issues.
Elgin, meanwhile, are set to tie up a deal with former St Mirren winger Conor O’Keefe, who last year was with League 1 Stranraer.
Boss Price has identified five areas of the park where he is determined to strengthen this summer, with a good quality goalscorer at the front of the queue.
That has opened the door for a possible reunion with Sutherland, who they sold to Peterhead for around £5000.
“Striker is a key position, and the geography of players I have been trying to get in that position unfortunately has let us down so far.
“I can’t hide the fact that there is a striker of that ilk that lives in Elgin. We would be stupid if we didn’t explore that option,” he said.
“If it is explored, and we are exploring it, then I personally would be happy to work with Shane. There has never been any disagreement between me and the player.
“I know how he works and how he works with certain players in the team, like Brian Cameron. So I certainly wouldn’t be against having a player of that calibre back at the club. But it has got to financially viable for the club as well.
“Shane is wanting to come back to Elgin like he did the last time when he ended up as the league’s top scorer and player of the year.
“I believe the club has spoken to Peterhead so we will take it from there.”
Read more:
- Price willing to consider loan deals for Sutherland
- VIDEO: Sutherland shoots Elgin to victory
- Shane set for Elgin return?
- 'Gutted' City left to pick up pieces of Shane injury
- VIDEO: Record breaker Shane wants more Elgin goals
Price is on the hunt for a second goalkeeper to compete for the number one jersey with Tom McHale, who returns from a successful loan spell at Weymouth in the second half of last term.
He also wants a left back, missing out a move for Jordan Allan when the former City man elected to join Stranraer, from Stirling Albion.
A holding midfielder to replace retiring skipper Jon-Paul McGovern is also on his wish list.
O’Keefe, who turns 21 this summer, has agreed a one-year deal with City. Price described him as a pacy and direct player who impressed him when he played on loan for Annan against Elgin.
Price may also have additional funds to spend, with City’s Betfred Cup tie against Hibs being screened live on TV next month.
“It gives a financial boost to the club so we are pleased with that,” he said. “We have a tough draw which can have its benefits because last year was the same and we went into the league with four defeats but had a good first quarter with 16 points.”
