McClean moves to Wigan from Sunderland

Republic of Ireland winger James McClean has joined Wigan Athletic from Sunderland for a fee believed to be €2.3 million.

The Derry man tweeted confirmation of the move last night. The 24-year-old drops down to the Championship, and brings to an end a colourful stay on Wearside.

McClean was signed by former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce from Derry City for €400,000 in August 2011 and made an immediate impact when thrown into the first team under Bruce's successor Martin O'Neill.

He courted controversy when he opted not to wear a poppy on his shirt during a game against Everton which fell on Remembrance weekend, while he was also involved in a number of controversies on Twitter which led to O’Neill criticising him for using the social networking site.

Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni selected him for Euro 2012, but new Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio was not as big a fan.

The Italian has made sweeping changes at the club this summer, signing nine new players, and McClean, along with the already-departed Titus Bramble and Matthew Kilgallon, appears to be a victim of the new regime.

McClean made 70 appearances for Sunderland scoring 11 goals, following his move from Derry City.

The Candystripes will also benefit from the move thanks to a sell-on clause in their deal with Sunderland. The league of Ireland club are expected to receive a further €350,000 from McClean’s move to Wigan.