Burns joins Coleraine but club 'not in the running' for Whyte

Coleraine head coach Dean Shiels admits the club had interest in signing Gavin Whyte but he would be "really, really surprised" if a move materialised, as the club announce the signing of Paddy Burns.

Northern Ireland winger Whyte left Portsmouth in August by mutual consent and has been linked with a return to the Irish Premiership or a move to the League of Ireland.

The 28-year-old left Crusaders in 2018 and has scored five goals in 30 international caps.

"There was interest from us, I'm not going to deny that, but there is interest from several clubs," said Shiels.

"I would be really, really surprised if Gavin arrived at Coleraine.

"I don't think we're in the running for that one."

Linfield winger Joel Cooper has been heavily linked to a move to Coleraine, with a pre-contract reportedly agreed for a summer switch to the Showgrounds.

However, a move has been finalised for defender Burns, who was most recently with Cliftonville.

Shiels says he was "delighted" to agree a deal for the 24-year-old until the end of the season.

He declined to comment on any move for Cooper, either in the January window or in the summer, saying it would be "disrespectful" to speak about players from other teams.

"I'd love to talk about players and signings and other things but I just can't," he added.

"I wouldn't like it done if it was my players so I don't want to discuss other players from other teams."

"I don't think it's appropriate. I can say that we are trying to strengthen in this window and we are working hard to add some depth."