The Sunderland midfielder looks to be heading to Middlesbrough in place of Everton’s Muhamed Besic.
Middlesbrough’s pursuit of a permanent deal for Everton midfielder Muhamed Besic appears to be over, with the Championship side said to have deemed Sunderland’s Paddy McNair a ‘more viable option financially’ than the Bosnian.
That is according to the Shields Gazette, which states Middlesbrough are in pole position to sign McNair after having a bid of more than £5 million accepted by Sunderland.
And the report suggests McNair’s added goal threat – five goals in 16 Championship outings last season, compared to Besic’s one in 17 – could also be a factor in Boro’s decision to cool their interest in the Everton man.
Besic dash?
The Northern Echo reported last week that Besic is willing to return to Middlesbrough if he finds no future for himself under Everton’s new manager Marco Silva.
And the report added that despite likely interest in the 25-year-old from rival clubs, it would take ‘something special for him to ignore Tony Pulis’ and sign-on elsewhere.
However, if Boro’s McNair move goes ahead, Besic may not have a choice.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
