Middlesbrough: Paddy McNair future thrown into further doubt | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are “extremely unlikely” to offer defender Paddy McNair a new contract on his existing terms, as reported by The Northern Echo.

Michael Carrick’s side made an extremely slow start to this Championship season, so much so that questions were being asked of the Boro manager.

However, the club’s board remained patient, and they seem to be reaping the rewards, as Middlesbrough have climbed the table. So much so, they are in contention for a play-off spot and also find themselves holding a 1-0 lead over Chelsea heading into the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

It hasn’t been perfect for Boro in the league, but they have 19 games of the season remaining and sit in 10th place on 39 points, just one point behind sixth-place Coventry City and six points behind West Brom in fifth place.

It has been a relatively busy transfer window for Middlesbrough so far, and it presents a chance for the club to make the necessary personal changes. That isn’t only incomings, as departures could be on the cards, with players like McNair a possibility, given his contract is soon coming to an end.

Paddy McNair has been on the books at the Riverside Stadium since the summer of 2018, with him extending his stay at the club in December 2020.

Middlesbrough, which means that deal will expire at the end of this campaign.

So, with the 28-year-old now in the final six months of his contract at the club, his future has been thrown into doubt.

In the latest update, The Northern Echo are reporting that it is “extremely unlikely” the Championship side are going to offer a new contract to the versatile player on the current terms he’s on.

Therefore, with his contract ending in the summer, it opens the door to the possibility he could be sold this month, should the club receive an offer. It was reported in the summer that Luton Town, Leeds United, and Italian side Como were all thought to be monitoring the player.

As mentioned, Paddy McNair has been with Middlesbrough for a sustained period of time now, so over the years, his influence on the team has grown.

Last season, McNair was an important player for the club, and Carrick did look to rely on the Northern Ireland international.

However, this season hasn't been the same, as the 28-year-old’s played 15 times in the league, but there have been occasions where he’s been on the bench and come on or hasn’t even managed to appear off the bench.

The defender hasn’t scored this season for Boro but has chipped in with a single assist, which came in the early-round win over Bolton Wanderers.

Middlesbrough should look to sell Paddy McNair this month

Now, with this latest update suggesting Middlesbrough are unlikely to offer a new contract on his existing terms, it likely means that Boro are probably not looking to keep Paddy McNair beyond this season.

Therefore, it makes sense for Boro to look to move the player on this month, as they can get a fee for McNair and free up space for a potential new arrival. For McNair, he can get a fresh start somewhere else and secure his future.

If he does stay beyond this month, there’s a chance Middlesbrough could change their stance, but it seems unlikely, so a move away in the remaining days of this transfer window would make sense.