Leeds United have set their sights on a summer raid on Wigan Athletic for wideman James McClean, FootballDirectNews.com understands. A source close to Elland Road told FDN new owner Massimo Cellino is ready to invest in the playing squad in order to make a push for the promotion places next term, and the Republic of Ireland winger is high on the shopping list. After being hailed as one of the Premier League’s most promising talents two years ago when he burst onto the scene at Sunderland, McClean fell out of favour when boss Steve Bruce was replaced by Martin O’Neill.
He then failed to impress the next manager, Paolo Di Canio, and opted to drop down to the Championship with relegated Wigan last summer in an attempt to secure regular first-team football.
The 23-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, has been an ever-present for Latics, who reached the FA Cup semi-finals and could yet be promoted back to the top flight via the play-offs. Leeds will wait on the outcome of Wigan’s promotion bid before attempting to open talks.
