James McClean’s £5m switch from West Bromwich Albion to Stoke City should be completed by the end of this week.  

The Irish winger has emerged as a top target for Gary Rowett and Stoke this summer, with the Potters in talks with West Brom over a deal.

According to a report in the Telegraph, Stoke are set to secure a deal by the end if this week, with Rowett closing in on a £5m deal for the 29-year-old.

McClean has a wealth of experience in the English game, having played for Sunderland and Wigan Athletic prior to his move to the Hawthorns in the summer of 2015.

During his three-year stay at West Brom, McClean has made 112 appearances for the Baggies, scoring five goals.

30 of those appearances came in the Premier League last season, but just 14 came in West Brom’s starting XI, as McClean struggled to nail down a starting berth, despite West Brom’s struggles.

The winger scored one goal in his 30 Premier League appearances, as West Brom’s Premier League stay was ended.

Darren Moore is currently preparing the Baggies for their return to the Sky Bet Championship, and looks set to lose McClean to Stoke, who are also preparing for a return to the second-tier.

The Verdict  

Rowett had identified McClean as a major target this summer, with the new Stoke boss set to get his man at last.

£5m represents a reasonable fee for McClean, although the 29-year-old will have to put a difficult spell at West Brom behind him.

If he can do that, this could be shrewd business.

Is McClean a good signing for Stoke? Let us know your thoughts!

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