THE SKY Blues look set to sign midfielder Chris McCann on loan until January before he begins a new chapter in his career over in America.
The 28-year-old signed for Atlanta United FC for their inaugural season in Major League Soccer (MLS) next year after being released by Championship side Wigan Athletic last month.
But the new MLS campaign does not get underway until January and McCann is being sent out on loan to the Sky Blues to maintain his fitness while helping Tony Mowbray’s side achieve their League One promotion ambitions next season.
McCann, who has played left midfield and left-back during his career, was spotted mingling with supporters at Tuesday night’s pre-season friendly against Rugby Town and is understood to be training with the first team.
But he will miss the opening three games of the League One campaign after being sent off for Wigan against Barnsley on the final day of last season.
Dublin-born McCann progressed through the Burnley youth system before going on to make his debut against the Sky Blues back in August 2005.
He went on to make 269 appearances for Burnley, which included one season in the Premier League, before moving to Wigan on a free transfer in June 2013, where he was reunited with former Burnley boss Owen Coyle.
McCann was a first team regular with the Lactics where he made over 100 appearances and scored nine goals during a three-year spell and this summer after being released he opted for a move to America to join the latest MLS franchise.
