Town are reported to be keen to sign Wigan winger James McClean on loan for the remainder of the season.

According to the Sun on Sunday manager Mick McCarthy wants to add the Ireland international to his squad as the Blues go into the final 10 games of the season.

Town would reportedly have to pay McClean £20,000 a week if he were to make the move, which would appear to be a significant potential stumbling block.

The 25-year-old has been a regular in the Wigan side in recent weeks as the Latics continue their relegation battle so would seem to be firmly in manager Malky Mackay’s plans for the rest of the season, however, the Sunday People reports that Championship clubs have been made aware of his availability but that his wages - which they claim to be £1.5 million a year - could scupper any move.

Blues boss McCarthy is keen to add to his midfield options having seen Leicester's Anthony Knockaert turn down a loan move earlier in the month. Football League clubs have until Thursday 26th March to bring players in on emergency loans.

McClean started his senior career with hometown clubs Institute and Derry City before moving to Sunderland in 2011 for £350,000. In the summer of 2013 he joined Wigan on a three-year deal. He has been capped 25 times by the Republic of Ireland, scoring four goals.

Photo: Action Images

portmanteau added 16:39 - Mar 8 when will people realise that when one-time "names" suddenly become available, its because they are usually over the hill and cant get a game. the only exception being JW. where is he when you need him?
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MickMillsTash added 16:44 - Mar 8 Our wage bill was reported as £13.9Mill in the last accounts. Yes that probably includes some admin folk but it still leaves a lot of money on player wages - min £10M almost definitely more If we are paying a max of £10k/week- thats 20 players ALL on this wage. AM I missing something?
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TimmyH added 16:55 - Mar 8 For that sort of money I'd say no, a couple of years back looked decent and always weary of ex-Premiership players whose careers seem to be going downwards. Physical player but I wouldn't say he's a fantastic crosser or play maker. No from me.
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blueherts added 17:27 - Mar 8 We are more likely to get Don- American Pie McClean
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wangford_blues added 18:32 - Mar 8 why bother now, its too late
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toxtethblue added 18:42 - Mar 8 Hasketblue - I appreciate and understand your view. I also had a grandfather who fought with the desert rats who died before I was born and I respect his and others fight against facism and nazism wholeheartedly. So does James Mclean, he states this in the letter. What he felt he couldnt support was the atrocities against innocent people that for the folk where he is from, the poppy has come to represent. I also understand that viewpoint and respect it.

6

Normandyblue added 18:49 - Mar 8 Just to lighten the mood of the comments on this post, anyone fancy photo-shopping a Tommy Cooper-style Fez on his head? I think it could work. And for the record, I would never willingly wear a poopy (sic) on my shirt.
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dirtydingusmagee added 19:35 - Mar 8 I dont think Mick is impressed with Tabbs game,only his mullet,TABB get ya hair cut .
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wayway added 19:37 - Mar 8 Cheshire blue: If Tabb is the new Leadbetter I hope Middlesborough hurry up and bloody well sign him
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spanishblue added 19:39 - Mar 8 For all those that keep singing for stewart,henshall cus they played well in pre season so did bajner probably Taylor as well modern foot ballers in the championship need to work hard as well instead of sulking and complaining i,m sick of people moaning we have overachieved this season without a doubt,so get off Mick back theres plenty more twists to go
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MathieandMarshall added 19:58 - Mar 8 I don't even believe the date on the front of the Sun so not going to waste any time on this... next!
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horsehollerer added 20:29 - Mar 8 Hasketblue - I don't think anyone is disrespecting you or your views mate, and like you, I have ancestors and relatives who died in conflict. But you were sort of implying that everyone MUST wear a poppy or else, and that's not really what the freedom they fought so hard for is about, at least imho. If McClean had said fck all you poppy-wearing murdering English scum, then fair enough, but he did make a good, respectful argument for not wearing it, even if it goes against the beliefs of the majority. But 20K a week is a lot :)

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Cakeman added 20:42 - Mar 8 McLean made his thoughts known public very well and was respectful too. I am certainly not a person who would want to sit in judgement. I would just like to say that in my eyes based on what I have read, McLean would be more than welcome. If he can add some attacking flair from the wings then great because boy do we need it!
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blueherts added 21:49 - Mar 8 Paper talk - all of MM deals have been done and then revealed JW is fit again - I think that is far more likely
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Surco72 added 22:27 - Mar 8 Better than what we have but for me the issue is not scoring or creating we do that in most games we just let in far too many soft goals and it is the defence that needs sorting , and not by signings by playing the right people in the right positions so they are comfortable and confident when playing . Mourinho and Pelligrini are dropping top international footballers for having bad games yet our defence has made countless errors since xmas and they know they wont be dropped

1

Juanforthemoney added 22:56 - Mar 8 Oh joy another winger to warm the bench. We will soon be able to put a full 11 players out who can play wide!
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rinkydinkpanther added 23:00 - Mar 8 @BigAlwasmyhero The letter in which he explains his reasons really well, you mean? Oh right, got you. No way I want an independent thinker at the club.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 04:21 - Mar 9 Doubt very much this paper talk will become a reality. Mick might just surprise us with someone else though. I'm sure he wants to, but the list of suitable candidates must have been well picked over by now.
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blue7579 added 08:31 - Mar 9 He has his reasons for not wanting to wear the poppy, to force him goes against everything our heros fought for.
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BrettenhamBlue added 10:18 - Mar 9 No disrespect to the sun, but do not trust the source of this rumour. Would be an excellent addition if true. Can"t see why some on here would be upset with this signing. Some of you would be upset if we were linked with Klose and Neymar.
2

Cheshire_Blue added 10:27 - Mar 9 Wayway: and then you and the other knockers can move on and get your knife into another of our hard working unsung heroes!
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blueherts added 10:31 - Mar 9 Jonny Williams will be coming
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AYACCA added 12:34 - Mar 9 good player.
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WorcesterBlue added 13:42 - Mar 9 He's rubbish frankly and if this is what we are looking at we might as well give up. Getting really frustrated now. Lets sign some footballers!
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NSL added 13:49 - Mar 9 ITFC Weekly Rumor Generator: "Town are reportedly interested in signing [insert any name here], however it is believed that their reported wages of [insert any value above a packet of Wotsits here] will be a potential stumbling block"
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