James McClean wasn't allowed to leave West Brom in the last transfer window.

The 29-year-old has been with the Baggies since 2015, when he joined from Wigan Athletic, but saw his playing time gradually decrease under Alan Pardew this season.

However, that changed when Darren Moore came in as caretaker because he started every game under him.

He still made 30 appearances in the league, but was only able to contribute a goal from the left-wing in what was a disappointing season for him and the club as they finished bottom of the Premier League. Although they did finish strongly under Moore, which has seen him rewarded with the full-time job.

This is what McClean had to say about the offer from Derby in the January transfer window, according to the Irish Mirror: "I wanted to leave in January and made no secret of that. I told the manager and chief executive at the time that I wanted to go."

"Then the Derby thing came about. They were second in the Championship at the time and I wasn’t playing as regularly as I’d like."

"I wanted to leave but the same thing happened; the club saying that I wasn’t going anywhere."

"It was a difficult season in that sense. I had two good opportunities to leave for regular football but they denied me both times and didn’t play me."

The Verdict

These comments suggest that he is open to a move away even if Moore has placed his faith in him or at least a remainder that he will need convincing if they want him to stay.

It's naturally frustrating that he wasn't allowed to leave, but then didn't consistently play for West Brom.

McClean would have been an excellent additional option for Derby to have because they needed a wide player who could properly stretch the opposition and provide a threat from the left flank with his crossing and dribbling. However, they would have still finished in the play-offs regardless.