Derry City linked with loan move for Man City starlet Joe Hodge

The Candy Stripes are understood to be in pole position to capture the 18 year-old playmaker who is the reigning 'Scholar of the Year' at the Etihad.

Man City are keen to send the highly rated Ireland youth international on loan and the League of Ireland appears to be his most likely destination according to a report in the 'Irish Examiner'.

Waterford have also been linked with a move for the Manchester born prospect but Derry could hold the upper hand in negotiations as Hodge would be remaining within the UK jurisdiction and wouldn't be required to quarantine should he move to the Brandywell club this week.

Derry would have until February 22nd to secure the deal ahead of the new SSE Airtricity League campaign which kicks-off on March 20th with a trip to Longford Town.

City boss Declan Devine added Hull City defender Danny Lupano on a six month loan deal yesterday and is still actively seeking new additions for his so far thread-bare squad.

Landing a loan deal for Hodge would be considered a major coup, however, as Devine looks to add much needed attacking talent to his team.