Wigan closing in on McClean

Wigan Athletic are closing in on the signing of Sunderland winger James McClean, the Mirror understands.

Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers have also been linked with a move for the 24 year old who is not part of Paolo Di Canio’s plans at the North East side.

The Republic of Ireland international initially impressed when he burst on to the scene under then manager Martin O’Neill in the second half of the 2011/12 campaign.

However, he struggled to reproduce that form last team as the Black Cats flirted with relegation – with Di Canio now willing to let him leave.

The Latics are keen to wrap up a deal as soon as possible as they embark upon a season that will see them make their bow in Europe having clinched the FA Cup back in May.

They won their opening game of the season against Barnsley 4-0, a result which fired them to the top of the Championship.