Jonathan Woodgate comments on Paddy McNair amid Celtic, Derby speculation

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Celtic and Derby County are among the clubs reportedly interested in Paddy McNair of Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate has told GazetteLive that he does not want reported Celtic and Derby County target Paddy McNair to leave in the summer transfer window.

According to The Daily Star, Celtic have submitted an enquiry for McNair, with Blackburn Rovers and Derby also interested in the former Manchester United player.

GazetteLive has reported of interested in the 24-year-old – who can operate as a defender or as a midfielder – from Sheffield United, who will play in the Premier League next season after clinching automatic promotion from the Championship.

Woodgate told GazetteLive about McNair: “I want to try and keep all my players, that’s without question.

“Paddy has done really well when he’s played for Northern Ireland. OK, fair enough, he had moments where he didn’t play to his capability last season and not in his best position but this year he’ll get a chance.”

Woodgate added: “Paddy will get a chance. I’ve talked to him on the phone but like I say I’ll have more meetings when we get to Austria but it’s fresh, it’s a fresh canvas. They will get a chance.”

Stats

McNair joined Middlesbrough from Sunderland in the summer of 2018 for a transfer fee reported by Gazette Live to be worth £5 million.

According to WhoScored, the 24-year-old Northern Ireland international made seven starts and nine substitute appearances in the Championship for Boro last season, providing one assist in the process.

With Middlesbrough aiming to finish in the Championship playoffs next season, they need to keep hold of McNair, who will be an asset for Woodgate next season.