James McClean? We'd definitely take him says Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch!

The 103 capped Republic of Ireland international has always maintained his desire to finish his career at Derry, recently claiming it's the 'next step' when his days at Wrexham eventually come to an end.

McClean (36), who played for Derry between 2008 and 2011 before making the switch to Sunderland in the English Premiership for a transfer fee in the region of £300,000, has been in contact with Lynch over recent months and 'admires' and shares his ideals and ambitions for the club.

"I've spoken to Tiernan quite a lot," said McClean during an interview for the Journal's ‘Talking Derry City’ podcast recently, "I really like what he's trying to implement at Derry. I like how he goes about things and his ideas."

The Creggan man, who has featured just nine times in the Championship with Wrexham this season, recently signed a contract extension which keeps him at the Welsh club until the summer of 2027 so a potential loan move could be the most likely option.

Rumours of a sensational return to Foyleside are gathering pace and when questioned about the possibility at the unveiling of new signing Darragh Markey at Brandywell last Friday, Lynch wasn't giving much away.

"He's a player . . . who wouldn't love to have him? He's a Derry lad. He's probably one of those who if you cut him he'd bleed red and white. I've no idea. I've listened to all the rumours as well and if they can get it over the line then the answer is 'yes, we'll definitely take him!'"

McClean isn't the only high profile name being linked with Derry in recent weeks with Shamrock Rovers playmaker Jack Byrne, who is out of favour in Tallaght and currently on loan with Dubai Irish FC, also rumoured to have been approached by the Brandywell club.

Former Candy Stripes Josh Daniels, who’s been in England with Shrewsbury and latterly in Wales with TNS since making his cross-Channel move from Glenavon in 2020, has also been linked with a return to Derry but Lynch refused to discuss specific targets.

"There's lots of things going on behind the scenes," he said. "There's a lot of hard work going on from top to bottom at the club. We want to strengthen and bring players in who will bring us closer to where we want to go. That's probably all I can say at this stage.

"I actually just go into that fans' forum to see who we're signing to be honest," he joked. "They know more than I do. No, listen, that's the fun in it for the supporters. This is their club and this is what they wake up thinking about and go to bed thinking about. It's great for them to be honest and some of the players they have coming in, if I can get some of them I'd be delighted."

Several players remain out of contract including Sadou Diallo and Ronan Boyce. Ramelton full-back Boyce has been in positive talks with Lynch in recent weeks and he's hopeful to convince the player to sign a new deal.

"There are talks going on with Ronan Boyce," he confirmed. "Ronan is a kid who would like to stay at the football club. He's been here a long time and had a good season last year. He's a good kid in the changing room and he wears his heart on his sleeve."