Rumours have it that a number of clubs, including West Bromich Albion who are bound for the English Premiership next season under the leadership of ex-Celtic centre-half, Tony Mowbray, have been monitoring the 24-year-old winger's progress.

And supporting that claim is the fact that the "Baggies" chief scout, Bobby Hope, was present at Brandywell for the last home match against Sligo Rovers but, unfortunately for the Scot, McCourt limped off after half an hour with hamstring problem and hasn't played since.

Predictably, Derry City are keen to keep their star performer and while the player has already been offered a new contract , it's understood negotiations have been continuing on that front.

However, when contacted last night, McCourt said he was aware of speculation regarding his future, but he insisted that he not spoken to any other club in relation to a move away from Derry City.

"My three year contract with Derry expires next November, but I haven't spoken to any other club in relation to my future," He said.

"I am aware that my name has been linked to other clubs, but no-one has said anything to me," maintained McCourt.

While he refused to discuss the speculation with me last night, it's fair to suggest that any possible move to a Premiership club in particular simply could not be ignored by any player.

Indeed, McCourt's continued prominence in the eircom League Premier Division has been particularly significant this season and it comes as no surprise that cross-Channel clubs have been briefed and are fully aware of the player's undoubted ability.

A former Foyle Harps youngster, Paddy left his home town to join Rochdale almost eight years ago but it's believed he would not be interested in a return to the lower leagues in England.

However, should the right offer materialise from a high profile club over the next few months, there are few who could fault a decision to try his luck again in England.

Free Agent

From West Brom's point of view or, indeed, any club wishing to sign him, McCourt would walk away from the Brandywell as a free agent come November and given that he has already celebrated his 24th birthday last December, the UEFA Under-23 rule would not come into play.

Derry City, therefore, would not benefit financially should the player wish to move on.

That said, should a top club be seriously interested in signing him on a free, then that club would have to wait until January 1st next year before he could play.

Alternatively, if any club wishes to have him prior to the 2008/09 season, then Derry would be in a position to command a transfer fee.
For their part, there's no doubt Derry will continue to negotiate with the player in an attempt to keep him at Brandywell.

Indeed, City chairman, Mr. Pat McDaid, who was also aware of the speculation, confirmed his club's sentiments last night.

"We are very keen to keep Paddy McCourt at Derry City and contractual negotiations with him will continue," he confirmed.

"Paddy is a big part of our plans for the future. He's a very popular player within our support and we're all anxious to see him remain at Brandywell," he added.