Celtic have reportedly registered their interest in signing Middlesbrough defender, Paddy McNair according to TEAMtalk. 

McNair struggled for consistent game time with Boro last season, making just 15 league appearances as they missed out on a top six finish, which saw Tony Pulis relieved from his duties at the Riverside.

Celtic will be hoping to add some depth to their team ahead of next year's campaign, as they look to complete another domestic treble.

In an interview with Football Insider, former Celtic defender, Jackie McNamara issued his thoughts on the Bhoys' rumoured interest in signing the Northern Irish international.

"He’s showed some promise before as a young lad at Manchester United.

"Middlesbrough paid a lot of money for him so if Neil’s seen him, I think he’s done well with the national team with Northern Ireland, it’s drawn attention to that, how he’s done in international games."

McNair is a versatile option to have in any squad, as he has played as a defender as a midfielder in recent years, with Boro and Sunderland and McNamara feels as though that could make him a good addition to Neil Lennon's squad.

"He can do multiple jobs of a good quality. That’s the most important thing, that they’re buying quality into the squad."

The Verdict: 

I agree with McNamara in saying that he would definitely add quality to the Celtic squad.

He's not had the best of spells with Middlesbrough and he could be tempted by a fresh start elsewhere, and with Celtic playing in Europe next season, it's an exciting prospect.

Middlesbrough already have a number of strong options in defence, and Woodgate might contemplate cashing in on McNair before the new season gets underway, as he could use the funds to strengthen in other areas of his team.