Sunderland’s Paddy McNair has been heavily linked with Middlesbrough.
According to Sky Sports (live transfer thread, June 24 at 14:32), Sunderland’s Paddy McNair has agreed terms with Middlesbrough with a medical expected to take place on Monday.
The report claims that a fee in the region of £5 million has been agreed between the two clubs, a deal which benefits both sides as they seek promotion from their respective leagues next term.
Boro missed out on promotion to the Premier League last term as they fell short in the playoffs, narrowly losing 1-0 to Aston Villa on aggregate over the two legs.
Tony Pulis improved Boro’s fortunes when he replaced Garry Monk midway through the campaign, and with some sensible investment this summer they have a real shot at automatic promotion this term.
Goals from midfield was an issue at the Riverside Stadium, therefore signing McNair makes plenty of sense with the Northern Ireland international capable of hitting double figures over a 46-game campaign.
The former Manchester United youngster missed most of Sunderland’s ill-fated campaign with injury, but when returning to action towards the end of the season he was by far the club’s standout player.
McNair netted four goals in the Black Cats’ final five matches, putting himself in the shop window upon the north East club’s relegation with a host of Championship clubs seemingly taking a look.
Sunderland will be keen to make an immediate return following their relegation to League One and investing the fee they’re due to receive from McNair back into the squad would help them achieve that goal.
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