Brighton and Hove Albion are edging closer to completing the signing of Paddy McNair, with a fee rising to £7m set to be accepted by Sunderland.  

The Seagulls have been in hot pursuit of the Northern Irish midfielder already this summer, seeing a number of bids knocked back by League One-bound Sunderland.

However, according to Alan Nixon, usually a reliable source on Twitter, Brighton are edging closer to signing McNair, with a £5m fee, which could potentially rise to £7m.

McNair has endured a tricky spell at the Stadium of Light, managing just 28 appearances since making the move to the North East in the summer of 2016.

However, the 23-year-old proved to be a shining light at Sunderland last season, in what was a dismal year at the Stadium of Light, as Sunderland slipped into the third-tier of English football.

McNair made 16 appearances for the Black Cats in the Championship, returning five league goals.

Four of those goals came in his final five appearances of the season, as Sunderland’s relegation to League One was confirmed.

The Verdict  

Brighton have been keen on McNair, who will be desperate to take the step back up to the Premier League as soon as possible.

For Sunderland, losing the 23-year-old is a blow, as he showed towards the end of last season how good he can be. However, £7m will help boost Jack Ross’ transfer kitty this summer.

Sunderland need to be using this summer to rebuild.

Is £7m good value for McNair? Let us know your thoughts!