A report claims that Celtic are willing to spend big to bring a midfielder to the club.
The Northern Echo is reporting that both the Hoops and Sheffield United are willing to spend close to £5 million on Middlesbrough midfielder Paddy McNair.
Wages may be an issue
The report goes on to claim that Celtic are ‘seriously interested’ in the player, but that the Hoops might not be able to match the wages offered by Sheffield United.
McNair only joined Middlesbrough a year ago from Sunderland. With Middlesbrough’s failure to get promoted, the player seems to be available for transfer.
McNair was a semi-regular for Middlesbrough last season, making 23 appearances. Intriguingly, not only did he play in his preferred role of defensive midfielder, he also played right-back for a spell of fixtures.
Possible reason for interest in player?
That could explain Celtic’s reported interest. The Hoops are in need of a right-back to replace Mikael Lustig. Perhaps McNair is the player they see to fill that role.
It would probably make more sense to sign an established right-back though. However, if the Hoops are willing to spend around £5 million on a player, he is going to be first choice for the side.
Celtic do look to be spending big this summer. The potential deals for Christopher Jullien and David Turnbull are examples of that.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be unrealistic so see the Hoops splash out on McNair.
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