Sunderland star man Paddy McNair will complete a medical on Monday before moving to Middlesbrough, according to The Northern Echo.
The Northern Echo noted that Middlesbrough had ‘rekindled’ their interest in Paddy McNair, and that a medical will be completed on Monday. Negotiations reportedly went on over the course of the weekend between the two clubs, with personal terms being agreed on Monday.
It had been widely reported that negotiations had been called off due to the midfielder speaking to multiple clubs. Sunderland owner Stewart Donald deflected blame onto McNair’s agent for the breakdown of initial talks, stating on Twitter that the player’s agent was offering McNair around, not the club. However, a deal of ‘little over £5m’ has been agreed according to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie.
Stoke and Brighton have also been credited with interest in the 23 year-old, with Brighton having a bid of £3.5m turned down earlier this month. It was thought that McNair may have been waiting out for more Premier League interest, hence why negotiations stalled. Stoke did match the Middlesbrough’s £5m bid for McNair, but the Northern Irishman has opted to stay closer to home and move to Teesside.
McNair comes in as a replacement for Mo Besic, who returns to Everton after arriving on loan in January. The midfielder also provides a much needed midfield goal threat. Boro severely lacked midfield goalscorers in the 2017/18 campaign as Jonny Howson was top of the pile, scoring just 3. Pulis sees Paddy McNair as the man to fill the goal-scoring void in Boro’s midfield.
