Nottingham Forest are hoping to take Stoke City winger James McClean to the City Ground as the first big signing of manager Martin O'Neill's reign, according to a report in the Independent.

The 29-year-old former Sunderland and West Brom man has played 30 times for Stoke since his summer move, scoring once.

He cost the Potters £5m, a fee which could rise to £6m with add-ons.

Despite his regular appearances for Stoke, he's now allegedly a target for his former manager Martin O'Neill.

He played for O'Neill at Sunderland as well as appearing for Eire under the watchful eye of the 66-year old.

McClean started out playing for Derry, making his move to England and Sunderland in 2011. He later played for Wigan and West Brom before winding up at the bet365 Stadium.

A move to Forest would certainly be a surprise with him only just joining up with Stoke, but there are benefits to the deal as well as pitfalls Forest must be aware of. We look a two pros and two cons of a Forest move for James McClean.

PRO: Knows O'Neill's methods

McClean understands O'Neill and vice versa. He's played under him a couple of times and knows how the former Sunderland boss likes to approach matches and attack opponents.

O'Neill will want trusted lieutenants in the dressing room and James McClean would be one such player.

CON: Cost

He was a £5m purchase for Stoke City and after such a short space of time, they're going to want that money back. Are Forest in a position to keep throwing money at the issue they have?

Can they afford such a luxurious spend on a position in which they already have the likes of Dias and Lolley?

PRO: Decent Championship player

McClean has played 30 matches for Stoke this season, 17 of which have been Championship starts. He's a confident player and should be thriving at this level.

He's not shone this campaign, but nobody has at Stoke. He's one who could add value at Forest, for sure.

CON: Controversial figure

He's a divisive figure, that much is certain. There's a furore every season over his stance on wearing the poppy and he's often outspoken in his defence of his beliefs.

That isn't a bad thing in itself, but when Forest need unity and togetherness, is that the sort of element that want amongst the playing staff?