Dan Clubbe 
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Celtic boss Neil Lennon is reportedly interested in signing Paddy McNair from Middlesbrough, according to 90mins.
If a potential move for Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy stalls amid competition from Premier League clubs, Lennon is apparently ready to attempt to bring in McNair, a player who he has previously shown an interest in, instead.
The Hoops are desperate to secure a never seen before tenth successive Scottish title, and it looks like Lennon wants to boost his midfield options.
McNair joined Boro’ from Sunderland for £5m in the summer of 2018 and has made 57 appearances for the North East club, scoring six goals. The 25-year-old started out life with Manchester United where he made 24 appearances.
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Capable of playing in either midfield or defence, McNair could provide the Scottish Champions with much-needed versatility.
New boss at the Riverside Stadium, Neil Warnock, is believed to want to bring in his own players, and the departure of McNair could generate some funds as well as freeing up some space on the wage bill and a place in the first-team squad.
It is not known what value the Championship club would place on their man, however, Celtic could face competition from Stoke City for his signature. The Potters boss, and McNair’s former international manager, Michael O’Neill is hoping for a reunion with the midfielder.
As Lennon plots his way to what he hopes will be another successful campaign, signing someone with the experience and quality of McNair could add even more strength to the Bhoys’ squad.
