Middlesbrough have been linked with Sunderland’s Paddy McNair.
According to a report by Sky Sports, Middlesbrough have launched a bid of more than £5 million for highly-rated Sunderland midfielder Paddy McNair.
The Black Cats are said to have already rejected a bid for the former Manchester United youngster from an unnamed London club, while the report says Brighton and Hove Albion have also had bids turned down.
Sunderland will not want to lose their talented midfielder without putting up a fight, yet Middlesbrough may have an ace up their sleeve – and the ideal solution to conclude a deal.
A recent report in the Northern Echo claimed Sunderland were keen on signing experienced midfielder Grant Leadbitter, therefore Middlesbrough using the 32-year-old as makeweight makes plenty of sense.
Leadbitter’s future at the Riverside Stadium is seemingly drawing to a close with Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis seeking to strengthen the midfield. A move to Sunderland would surely help soften the blow of losing McNair.
Having previously spent six years at the Stadium of Light and being a fan of the club, Leadbitter has strong ties to Sunderland and he may see helping the Mackems immediately bounce back from League One as the final challenge of a decent career.
Middlesbrough missed out on promotion the Premier League last term after coming up short in the playoff semi-finals against Aston Villa, but with parachute payments they are well set to go again.
Despite Sunderland’s terrible campaign, McNair was a bright spark. He showed his potential by netting an impressive four goals in the final five games of the season.
Sunderland will know they have a void to fill when McNair inevitably leaves this summer, but getting Leadbitter in return would no doubt give the club a real chance to make a quick return to the Championship.
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