According to TEAMtalk, Middlesbrough are willing to listen to bids for defender Paddy McNair, with numerous Premier League and Championship clubs keen in obtaining his services this summer.
Middlesbrough have multiple options in the heart of defence, including Dael Fry, Darragh Lenihan, Matt Clarke, and new addition Rav van den Berg, therefore McNair appears to be surplus to needs.
Similarly, the versatile 28-year-old’s ability to play a variety of positions, including midfield and right-back, gives him a better chance of playing time, although Michael Carrick has better options than the Northern Irishman heading into the new season.
TEAMtalk reports that Boro are willing to listen to bids for McNair, which has heightened tensions on all parties. Recently promoted Premier League trio Luton Town, Sheffield United, and Burnley, as well as Bournemouth and Fulham, have expressed an interest, while recently relegated Championship duo Leeds United and Leicester City are also interested.
It’s a fantastic moment to leave…
McNair has established his worth at Boro, but he has never been as crucial a piece of the equation as he has been under Carrick. Both Neil Warnock and Chris Wilder utilized the defender on a regular basis, but with Clarke’s return from injury and the acquisition of van den Berg, he has fallen lower down the pecking order.
Given his pedigree and likely desire for regular playing time, this appears to be an ideal time for McNair to go. Middlesbrough should also cash in because he is not regarded as a regular starter and has only one year left on his current contract.
Middlesbrough appear to be heading in a different way as well, with the signing of van den Berg. The 18-year-old centre-back is anticipated to be a first-team fixture, and the departure of the veteran McNair demonstrates Boro’s ambition to move forward with younger players.
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