McGhee disappointed as Stephen Pearson heads for Indian Superleague

Stephen Pearson (right) pictured in 2002 with fellow 'Well stars Stevie Hammell and James McFadden

The experienced midfielder (33), who played 17 games for Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League two years ago, has now been linked with a switch to rivals Atletico de Kolkata.

McGhee said: “Pearson is definitely going to India.

“We are sorry to hear that. The boy himself has an opportunity that is difficult for us to deny.

“We are not in a position to compete financially with the Indian team.

“It would be wrong of us at this stage of Pearo’s career to deny him a move. We have to bite the bullet. That is life.”

Although McGhee wouldn’t divulge how much Pearson’s salary would increase with the Indian transfer, the ’Well gaffer said there was “a significant difference”.

Pearson’s two spells at ’Well, from 2000 to 2004 and 2015 until now, saw him score 22 goals in 119 games.

With Pearson departing, McGhee said he was targeting signing a new attacking midfielder as a priority.

“We are light in central midfield but we are not going to panic,” he added.

“We have two or three new players in the pipeline.