Baggies close in on McCourt

Albion are closing in on the signing of Derry's Paddy McCourt despite having a second bid for the midfielder turned down.

The League of Ireland side claim they have rejected an improved offer of £50,000 up front, plus another £50,000 based on appearances.

But the clubs are still talking and a deal is expected to be done in the next few days – possibly before the weekend.

Albion returned with their increased offer yesterday, two days after a Hawthorns board meeting at which manager Tony Mowbray agreed with directors on a final transfer hit-list.

While the second official bid from the Baggies was knocked back by Derry chairman Pat McDaid, he and manager Stephen Kenny are now resigned to losing the former Rochdale man.

They are now holding out for a straight cash deal worth £100,000 and expect a compromise to be struck in the next few days, although McCourt's registration with Albion may be held up, until the Irish transfer window opens at the start of July.

Several other top-flight clubs in England and Ireland showed an interest in the 24-year-old, but Albion are now clear leaders in the race to sign him.

A deal is now said to be a matter of days away.

McCourt's move to Albion will give him a second chance in English football, after his four-year stint at Rochdale between 2001 and 2005.

The 6ft tall wideman caught the eye of several Premier League clubs including Blackburn Rovers during his time with Dale but was blighted by a persistent hamstring injury and the transfer never happened.

He returned to Ireland in 2005 for a brief spell with Shamrock Rovers before moving to Derry, his hometown club.