Middlesbrough ace Paddy McNair is emerging as a target for Premier League clubs after a fine start to the Championship season under Neil Warnock, as reported by the Northern Echo.
Right-back Djed Spence isn’t the only member of Warnock’s play-off-pushing squad attracting admiring glances from higher up the football pyramid.
And it seems a long time since questions were being asked about McNair’s future under Warnock.
The former Manchester United youngster was struggling to force his way into Boro’s XI during the final few weeks of last term – but nothing could be further from the truth now.
McNair has started every one of Middlesbrough’s 14 league games this season, with the versatile midfielder shining in a new-look centre-half role.
“For me, he’s 10/10 every week. I can’t see a better player in this division,” Warnock told Gazette Live a few weeks ago.
“I think he’d (McNair) walk it in the Premier League, although I’m not saying he was like that when I came. The level of performances (at the time) weren’t anything special.”
The Northern Echo believes McNair’s sudden burst of form has caught the eye of Premier League clubs, although it remains to be seen whether any offers will arrive in January for a man valued at £5 million (Belfast Telegraph).
McNair’s ability to play at centre-half, full-back and in midfield will appeal to plenty of top-flight bosses, not to mention his superb set-piece delivery.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
