Celtic have all but ended their interest in signing Middlesbrough defender, Paddy McNair according to the Daily Record. 

The report claims that Neil Lennon has turned his attentions to other transfer targets, with Luton Town's Jack Stacey being one of them.

It had previously been claimed by TEAMtalk that Celtic had registered their interest in signing McNair, although it remained to be seen as to whether an official bid was submitted by the Bhoys.

The 24-year-old made 15 appearances last season for Middlesbrough, and struggled for a consistent run in the starting XI under Tony Pulis.

Pulis was dismissed at the end of last year's league campaign after Boro missed out on a top six finish in the Championship.

Newly-appointed Middlesbrough boss, Jonathan Woodgate will be assessing his squad over pre-season, and will be keen to move players on that are surplus to requirements.

McNair could be one of them as well, and the club will be keen to get as much as they can for him, after he arrived from Sunderland in 2018.

Celtic will be targeting another domestic treble next season, but it doesn't seem likely that McNair will be part of that team after this latest report.

The Verdict: 

I think they're making the right decision in cooling their interest in him.

McNair wasn't the cheapest of options out there for Celtic and I think they'll be able to find a more than adequate alternative before the new season gets underway.

I wouldn't be surprised to see McNair forcing a move elsewhere though, as I just can't see him featuring on a regular basis for Middlesbrough under Jonathan Woodgate next season.