Waterford reject record LOI bid from Derry City for Tommy Lonergan

The Blues are determined to keep hold of their leading attacking threat ahead of Friday's trip to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Waterford have rejected a domestic record €180,000 bid from Derry City for in-form striker Tommy Lonergan Pics: INPHO

Waterford FC have rejected a domestic record €180,000 bid from Derry City for in-form striker Tommy Lonergan, with the Blues determined to keep hold of their leading attacking threat ahead of Friday's trip to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Shelbourne became the first League of Ireland club to pay a six-figure fee when they bought defender Odhrán Casey from Cliftonville in January but this offer from a club bankrolled by billionaire Philip O'Doherty smashes that sum.

The Candystripes last won the top-flight in 1997 and, despite investing heavily in recent windows, they sit in a disappointing sixth place as their Europa League meeting with CSKA Sofia looms next week.

The Irish Examiner understands that Derry’s bid was one of four approaches received for the ex-Ireland U21 international since the window opened at midnight.

He has also attracted interest from champions Shamrock Rovers and second-placed Bohemians, with his firepower broadening his admirers to abroad.

However, Waterford officials have made it clear that Lonergan is not for sale, with the 22-year-old viewed as central to the club’s fight to preserve its Premier Division status.

The Blues remain bottom of the table but there is a firm belief within the RSC that keeping Lonergan could prove decisive over the second half of the campaign.

Lonergan has scored 10 goals for Graham Coughlan’s side this season and has carried an increasing burden in attack since the arrival of the new manager.

His recent form was underlined last Friday when he struck twice in Waterford’s win over Dundalk, a result that offered the Blues a timely lift in their battle at the foot of the division.

The centre-forward’s improvement has been linked with a renewed sense of confidence under Coughlan, whose arrival has brought fresh energy to the squad.

Waterford are understood to believe that Lonergan’s goals, physical presence and ability to lead the line make him too valuable to lose at this stage of the season, regardless of the level of interest from elsewhere.

Lonergan joined Waterford from sister club Fleetwood Town last year after previously moving cross-channel from St Patrick’s Athletic.

His progress has since placed him firmly back on the radar of leading League of Ireland clubs, with Derry City’s interest particularly significant as Tiernan Lynch looks to strengthen his options.

The timing of Derry’s bid adds another layer to Friday night’s fixture, with Lonergan set to travel north as the subject of rejected interest from the very club Waterford will face.

The Brandywell encounter was already a major test for Coughlan’s side but the transfer subplot ensures that all eyes will be on the striker if he leads the line against Lynch’s team.

For now, Waterford’s stance is firm. In a window where survival rivals and title contenders are all seeking reinforcements, the Blues have decided that Lonergan’s value to their own cause outweighs the financial appeal of a record bid.