Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are reportedly battling Premier League newcomers Sheffield United to sign Boro ace McNair.
As Christopher Jullien seemingly prepares to arrive from Toulouse for a hefty fee, how much more do Celtic have to spend this summer?
With Middlesbrough ace Paddy McNair valued in the £5 million bracket and demanding wages that may be beyond The Hoops’ reach, the Northern Echo suggests that the Northern Ireland international is more likely to end the summer as a Sheffield United player instead of joining the reigning Scottish champions.
But if Celtic can somehow get the money together, McNair could be worth every penny of his £5 million price-tag.
Yes, he may not be a 30-goal a season striker capable of taking the club to the next level in Europe or a left-back ready to make fans forget all about Kieran Tierney’s potential departure. But in McNair, Celtic could get two, three or even four players in one.
One word comes to mind when thinking about the former Manchester United youngster: Versatility.
He can conceivably play anywhere across the backline not to mention in defensive or attacking midfield. The 24-year-old made his name as a deep-lying enforcer but the best performances of his career, at Sunderland late in the 2017/18 season, came in a more advanced role where he scored goals for fun.
McNair could replace Dedryck Boyata at the back, help out Scott Brown in the middle and potentially even score the goals Celtic have missed since Stuart Armstrong left.
Not bad for £5 million.
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