Championship duo Middlesbrough and Derby are hopeful of signing Sunderland man Paddy McNair although they will face serious competition from Brighton.

The Premier League side are favourites to land the Northern Ireland international having had two bids already rejected for him by the League One club.

And, they are expected to go back in with a £5m offer which could convince the Black Cats to sell.

However, the Mirror reveal in their transfer blog today (14:49) that should a move to the top-flight not materialise, Boro and Derby are very interested in bringing McNair to the Championship.

Whilst the Premier League will obviously be a huge attraction for the player, the reality is he may get more first-team football in the second-tier and both clubs will have ambitions of going for promotion.

Experienced boss Tony Pulis is looking to make changes to his Boro squad after they fell at the play-off semi-final stage last season, whereas the Rams are going in a new direction with Frank Lampard as their new manager.

McNair played just 16 games for Sunderland in an injury-hit campaign last season but did score four goals in his last five games as he ended the campaign in fine form.

The Verdict

Boro and Derby fans won't get their hopes up too much from that article as it does seem as if Brighton are in pole position to get McNair.

However, if either side could convince him to remain in the Championship it would be a great deal.

The youngster has had fitness issues over the years but he is a versatile, strong player who could flourish playing regularly.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.