Leeds United in hot pursuit of Paddy McNair as Middlesbrough make exit decision
Middlesbrough are reportedly listening to offers for defender Paddy McNair, with Leeds United among clubs interested in signing him, according to TeamTalk.
McNair is only obliged to remain that the Riverside for one more year amid interest from Premier League sides including Luton Town and Fulham while Championship clubs like Leicester are also keeping tabs on the 28-year-old.
Manager Michael Carrick has described McNair as “terrific” while looking “confident and composed” on the ball [TeessideLive], but Boro are reportedly not in a position to reject a good offer for the Northern Ireland international.
Assured and reliable
McNair struggled to cement himself a starting position in Middlesbrough’s defence last season making 23 Championship appearances last season. Carrick’s side is inundated with defensive talent, including Darragh Lenihan and Matt Clarke, meaning McNair had stiff competition for game time.
However, he does have quality second-division experience and even took Boro’s Player of the Season in 2020/21.
Leeds’ need for Championship experience next season is clear. Their appointment of Daniel Farke as manager shows this and the addition of a seasoned defender to support the likes of Liam Cooper and Luke Ayling could do a lot to cement their defence.
However, McNair is highly sought-after and could even make the jump up to the Premier League with all three promoted sides reportedly interested.
Interest is understandable as McNair has proven to be a versatile and dependable player. While also being able to slip into midfield, McNair can also boast 4.37 progressive passes per 90 (85th percentile) and 1.69 progressive carries (96th percentile) [FBRef], showing him to be more than a defender.
Such versatility and ball-playing ability are suited to a Farke side so it is clear why he is wanted at Elland Road.
However, the lure of Premier League football is a tough one to resist and Leeds will have to try hard to seal his signature.
In other Leeds United news, following the departure of Rodrigo to Qatar, Elland Road is set to lose another first-team player to La Liga.