Coleraine have continued their robust recruitment drive with the high-profile signing of Levi Ives. The 27-year-old has joined the Bannsiders from champions Larne for an undisclosed fee.

He becomes Dean Shiels' third arrival in the January transfer window following the additions of Ronan Doherty and Patrick Burns. The Showgrounds club also have a pre-contract agreement in place for Linfield star Joel Cooper.

Ives started his career at Torquay United and went on to join Cliftonville where he made more than 200 appearances and won two League Cups and the County Antrim Shield.

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He joined Larne in the summer of 2023 and helped the Inver Reds retain the Gibson Cup last season and lift the Shield. He also helped Larne become the first Irish League club to reach the group stages of European competition.

Shiels said: "Levi is a big signing and defence was an area we were looking to strengthen in this window. He brings a lot of experience and a lot of quality in the defensive area.

"He's a winner and he's won everything there is to win in this country. He is a young age and we are getting his prime years which is massive for us.

"He is going to bring a winning mentality and getting winners in the building who have been there and done it will help. Levi's flexible and he can play in a variety of different positions, so we are delighted to have him."

Meanwhile, Larne said on social media: "We can confirm that Levi Ives has departed the club to join Coleraine on a permanent basis. Levi leaves the club as a league winner and helped to make history as we qualified for the League Phase of the UEFA Conference League

"Thank you for your efforts as an Inver Red."

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