Sunderland have rejected a £2m bid for midfielder Paddy McNair from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion, according to Sky Sports.
Since joining the club in 2016 from Manchester United, the Northern Irish international has made 25 appearances for the Black Cats, scoring five goals.
He joined the club in their final season in the Premier League for a fee of £5.5m but was unable to help the club preserve their top flight status.
Despite an impressive personal season for McNair in the Championship, Sunderland suffered back to back relegations and now look resigned to losing their star man.
Brighton will be playing Premier League football for the second season after surviving the drop.
Chris Hughton will be looking to build on that next season and McNair would provide good squad depth at the American Express Stadium.
However, the Seagulls have tonight seen a £2m bid for the man in demand rejected, as Jack Ross looks to craft a squad that is capable of gaining promotion straight back to the Championship.
McNair still has two years remaining on his current deal in Wearside, after signing a four year contract when he first joined the club.
The Northern Irishman has made 17 appearances for his country after featuring heavily with the youth teams.
He has experience of playing in a National tournament after playing in Euro 2016 under Michael O’Neil.
McNair is a man on a number of club’s radar this summer and Sunderland’s resolve will be tested if they want to keep their star performer.
