Soapster

I have an March 07 Hawkeye WRX Wagon, it has low mileage (18000) for various reasons it has not been much over recent months, only 2000 since March. It lives outside on the drive.
Over the last few weeks it has been making a whirring low sqealing noise when the clutch as the clutch is depressed and released. Its not loud and disappears when the car has warmed up. It seems to be taking longer before it stops. I have read and researched as much as I can re throw out- release bearings etc. Could it be surface oxidation on the flywheel? Has anyone had similar issues before I waste money on a new clutch? any advice or opinions re a cure most welcome.