James McClean set to be fined by West Brom after failing to report for training trip to Scotland
James McClean has failed to report for today’s pre-season trip in Scotland without permission from head coach Darren Moore and will now be disciplined by the Baggies.
The wantaway winger is skipping the four-day training camp amid interest from Championship rivals Stoke City.
He is the third Albion player to miss one of Moore’s training camps this summer after Craig Dawson and Ben Foster refused to travel to Portugal two weeks ago.
Dawson is not travelling to Scotland this week either, but has been granted permission to stay at home after his wife recently gave birth to a child.
Fellow new father Hal Robson-Kanu, who bagged a brace against Barnet on Saturday, has also been allowed to stay at home, while Sam Field and Kieran Gibbs remain behind to receive treatment on their injuries.
McClean was not granted permission to miss the training camp and is now set to be fined.
A club statement confirmed: “James McClean has failed to report without permission and will now face internal disciplinary proceedings under the club’s code of conduct.”
Stoke have had a £4m bid for McClean turned down this summer by the Baggies, who are holding out for nearer £6m.
Potters boss Gary Rowett is a long-term admirer of McClean and tried to sign him in January when he was at Derby County.
Stoke were confident of completing a deal last week but talks between the two clubs have stalled.
Albion travelled north of the border today and will be based at St Andrew’s University in Fife until Thursday.
Moore said: “It’s going to be a great week up there where we’re able to get this squad together.
"There’s no game in between so it’s good for us as staff to get the work into the players.
“All the international players will be back in the building so the squad will take a more senior shape. It’s about bridging them back in after their time away. We’ll get some good work done.”
The Baggies beat Barnet 3-0 on Saturday in their first public outing of the summer and travel to Swindon this weekend for another pre-season friendly.