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Football

03rd Jan 2018

Burnley are considering a move for James McClean

Matthew Gault

McClean

The club are looking to sign a winger during the January transfer window.

Burnley are contemplating a move for West Brom winger James McClean. Clarets boss Sean Dyche wants to sign a winger this month with Robbie Brady expected to be out for the rest of the season after sustaining a serious knee injury in December.

Dyche is plotting an ambitious move for Newcastle United’s Matt Ritchie. However, given Ritchie’s importance to Rafael Benitez’s side, Burnley are prepared to move for other targets if the Magpies refuse to sell.

According to the Daily Mail, McClean is one of the names on the shortlist, which also features Everton wide man Aaron Lennon and Kilmarnock’s Jordan Jones.

With Ritchie likely to be the most expensive option, McClean may be a more realistic target for Burnley. The Derry native scored in the Baggies’ 2-1 defeat to West Ham on Tuesday night but has found starting opportunities hard to come by with the Baggies this season.

Before the 0-0 draw with Liverpool on December 13, McClean’s last start for the West Midlands club was in the 1-0 win over Burnley in August.

While there is no suggestion that McClean is looking to leave the Hawthorns this month, he may be attracted to a fresh opportunity with Burnley, who have been this season’s surprise package. They are currently seventh and, with Brady out for the foreseeable future, it may allow his Republic of Ireland teammate a decent run in the team, should he join.

The 28-year-old has also been linked with a move to Celtic and Stoke City but West Brom boss Alan Pardew may not let McClean go unless he has a replacement lined up.

McClean has had mixed fortunes recently. While he scooped the RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year award in December, his house was targeted by thieves while playing for the Baggies against West Ham.

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