Middlesbrough have won the race to sign Paddy McNair, the club's official website has confirmed.

The 23-year-old joins from Sunderland for an undisclosed fee, which could reportedly rise to more than £5m.

McNair pens a four-year deal with Boro after impressing at Sunderland last season.

The former Manchester United academy product played 16 league matches for the Black Cats last year and really nailed down his spot in the starting line-up towards the end of the campaign.

He scored five goals in total, four of which came in the last five games of the season but he could not keep Sunderland up.

With Sunderland suffering relegation to League One, McNair has opted to remain in the Championship, although Boro fended off Premier League interest for his services.

Brighton were thought to be keen while Premier League new boys Wolves and recently relegated Stoke City were also credited with an interest.

The Verdict

McNair is an excellent signing for Middlesbrough, given a number of factors.

The midfield man is young, comfortable playing as a right-back, centre-back, holding midfielder or further forward in central midfield and he is finally starting to fulfil the potential he once showed at Man United.

He could be the perfect long-term replacement for Grant Leadbitter in the middle of the park that Boro have been hoping for.

Middlesbrough fans - Is this a good signing? Let us know below...