Rumor: West Bromwich Albion close to signing Wigan Athletic's James McClean

Sky Sports is reporting West Bromwich Albion has made an offer for Wigan Athletic's James McClean and the two clubs are close to agreeing a fee for the player. The bid is rumored to be approximately $2.3 million (GBP 1.5 million) - and is said to be the third proposal West Brom has made to McClean's current employer.

If true - and if Wigan accepts the offer - the transfer would signal McClean's return to the Premier League after a couple of seasons in the Championship. The player has repeatedly said he would like to test himself again at the EPL level, so it is assumed he would welcome the opportunity allegedly offered by West Brom.

Unfortunately, any such move would also spell the end of the persistent rumor that McClean was being aggressively pursued by the New York Red Bulls. Earlier this month, it was suggested RBNY had bid "close to" $1.8 million for the Ireland international. Wigan was thought to be hoping for something more like $4 million.

The news of West Brom's interest and possible success in signing McClean may explain why RBNY has recently been reported to have invited a clutch of young attacking players to trial with the club.