McClean impressed for NI Under-21s against the Czech Republic last week

Lincoln City are to continue attempts to sign Derry City's Northern Ireland Under-21 international James McClean.

The League Two club's boss Chris Sutton wanted to sign McClean in time for Saturday's game against Grimsby Town.

However, there are reports that the Football Association of Ireland have ruled that McClean cannot move until the transfer window opens in January.

Like all other Derry players, McClean has not been paid for over 10 weeks because of the club's financial crisis.

Derry City's League of Ireland place was terminated earlier this month after the club was found to have held secondary, unofficial contracts with players.

Irish-based football agent Gerry Carlile has called for "common sense to prevail" in McClean's case.

"Some of the Derry City players haven't been paid in 11 weeks and they have been told that they are free agents," he said.

"But I have been told that they can't sign for another club until the transfer window opens.

"I understand that there are rules but surely this is a special case.

"Lincoln have told me that the FA will be in touch with Fifa to try to sort the situation out.

"That is another six weeks that the players will be denied the opportunity to earn a living.

Sutton has acknowledged that he is "keen to get James signed".

"There is only one loser here and that is the player," added Sutton.

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