This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Stoke City are keen on a move for St Johnstone midfielder Alistair McCann, a report from a print edition of The Sun (27/06, p61) has claimed.

McCann enjoyed an impressive season with St Johnstone last season, helping the club claim a famous double in the Scottish cup competitions.

Reports have now claimed that Stoke are looking to put together the funds for an offer for the 21-year-old, who it is thought St Johnstone will demand £1million for.

Stoke's Championship rivals Swansea and Hull are also said to be keen on a deal for the Northern Ireland international.

So would McCann be a good signing for Stoke? And is he a player they need to bring to the Bet365 Stadium?

We asked some of our Football League World writers for their thoughts, and here, is a look at what they had to say.

Toby Wilding

I do think that this could be a very good signing for Stoke if they manage to get it done.

With Ryan Woods having already left for Birmingham, and Sam Clucas seemingly on his way out as well, it does appear as though the Potters could do with some midfield reinforcements this summer.

McCann is someone who could fill that void, and at 21-years-old, he could be an asset for the club for some time to come.

After the season he has just enjoyed with St Johnstone as well, you imagine he would arrive at the Bet365 Stadium brimming with confidence and ready to make an impact as well.

The fee Stoke have just received from Burnley for Nathan Collins also means they ought to be able to afford this one, so I do think they ought to be trying to make this happen if they can.

 

 

Ben Wignall

Any signing from the Scottish Premiership is a bit of a punt in my eyes, simply because you have no idea as to how the actual level translates to the Championship.

Some have done really well like John McGinn for example, but others like free-scoring striker Stevie May didn't do much when he played for Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End.

Considering McCann has apparently been scouted by Celtic, he must have something about him and he won two cups with St. Johnstone last season, missing just four league games as well throughout the campaign to show how important he was to the success.

With a price of £1 million quoted and McCann being just 21, coupled with the fact that Stoke may need to replenish their engine room if both Sam Clucas and Joe Allen depart this summer, then it would be a smart bit of business for the Potters to make.

The club are clearly in the mood to reinvest at least some of the money that Nathan Collins' sale to Burnley has brought in and McCann is one of those players that could make them a lot of profit down the line so it's a deal worth pursuing.

Jacob Potter

It could be a decent signing in the long-term for the Potters.

McCann has caught the eye with some strong performances for St Johnstone in recent seasons, and he could be worth a punt for a club in the Championship.
He's clearly not short of offers either, with Stoke City rivalling Swansea in the race to land his signature this summer.
At the age of 21, St Johnstone's asking price of £1million could turn out to be a solid investment in the long-term.
To be capped at senior level for Northern Ireland already as well speaks volumes about his potential, and I like the sound of this deal from a Stoke perspective.
With Sam Clucas seemingly heading for the exit door this summer, additional depth is going to be needed, and McCann could be the ideal player to do just that for Michael O'Neill's side.