According to Birmingham Live, Martin O’Neill looks set to miss out on the signing of James McClean. Nottingham Forest had been heavily linked with the Stoke City winger, with Ben Osborn rumoured to be going in the opposite direction. But with Forest adamant of keeping the 24-year-old, it appears a deal for McClean will also be halted in its tracks.
It’s a blow for O’Neill as McClean has been a player he’s admired for some time. The 29-year-old has made 63 club appearances under O’Neill at Sunderland between 2011/12 and 2012/13 and was a regular for the Republic Of Ireland (63 caps) national team when O’Neill was appointed head coach in 2013.
McClean’s name kept popping up as a key signing the Forest boss wanted to make before the January transfer window came to a close, but it appears he’ll remain at Stoke City for the rest of the season. All isn’t lost, however, as the Reds will still has Osborn at their disposal.
The 24-year-old has made 29 appearances in all competitions this season and captained the side on three occasions. He’s no slouch, so missing out on McClean shouldn’t be a big deal.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Report: Nottingham Forest won’t agree deal with Stoke City to sell left-midfielder
