Express & Star

West Brom close in on winger as James McClean heads to Stoke for £5m

James McClean's move to Stoke City is expected to be completed over the weekend after Albion agreed a fee with the Potters of £5m up front plus £1m in add-ons.

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James McClean. (AMA)

The Baggies are also closing in on a replacement winger, who is expected to arrive in the next 48 hours.

McClean's transfer to Stoke has been on the cards all summer, but there was a sticking point over the fee and Albion wanted to line up a replacement first.

Stoke bid £4m initially but the Baggies wanted £6m. The two clubs have now agreed a fee and McClean is at Stoke's training ground today to finalise the move.

Albion are also closing in on an unnamed winger to replace the Republic of Ireland international, and hope to complete the deal over the weekend.

It will be their fourth signing of the summer following the arrival of goalkeepers Sam Johnstone and Jonathan Bond, and defender Kyle Bartley.

The Baggies are in Scotland today for their pre-season friendly match with Derek McInnes's Aberdeen side.

Johnstone, defender Allan Nyom and striker Salomon Rondon are all missing the game through injury but new signings Bartley and Bond are expected to make their debuts.

Craig Dawson, who skipped Albion's tour of Portugal, has travelled with the squad and could feature for the first time in pre-season.

“We face a step up tonight because Aberdeen will be further ahead with their fitness schedule as they are getting ready for next week’s Europa League start against Burnley," said head coach Darren Moore.

“We’ve got some game time into most of the players although we could do without these niggles which are holding back one or two of the lads. But there is no point taking chances at this stage of our preparation.

“It will be hard work tonight. Aberdeen will be at full throttle and that’s just what we need at this stage of our preparations.”