Home » Article » Go for it Rowett – Stoke securing a £5m deal for this versatile 23-year-old ace could be a shrewd move

Go for it Rowett – Stoke securing a £5m deal for this versatile 23-year-old ace could be a shrewd move

According to reports, Stoke City have made a £5m bid for Sunderland defender Paddy McNair. The 23-year-old played just 16 times due to his injury and was one of the very few players to emerge with credit during Sunderland’s relegation to the League One.

The Northern Irishman, who can operate in the defence as well as in the midfield, scored 4 goals in the final five games of the season for the Black Cats.

The 23-year-old’s form towards the end of the season has prompted the interest from Brighton and Middlesbrough but Stoke City are now hoping to bag the player’s signature as they eye promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Paddy McNair

New Stoke manager Gary Rowett must build a squad capable of winning the Championship next season. He already has a good squad at his disposal and only needs to make a few quality additions to complete his squad. And Rowett’s interest in signing Sunderland’s Paddy McNair could be a step in the right direction.

McNair is a versatile footballer who can operate as a midfielder or as a defender and his experience of playing for Manchester United in the Premier League would be massive for Stoke. A product of the United academy, McNair initially played in central defence before being converted into a central midfielder.

Despite missing most of the last campaign due to a cruciate knee injury, the 23-year-old still managed to play 16 times for Sunderland, in which he scored 5 goals for a side that finished at the bottom of the Championship table.

The Northern Irishman can play in the midfield alongside Joe Allen at Stoke and also in the heart of defence whenever required.

McNair is a committed professional footballer and is an efficient player at breaking down attacks. Young, versatile and filled with potential, the 23-year-old could be an interesting prospect for Stoke City.

Also, his Premier League experience with United and Sunderland would come in handy at Stoke as Rowett would be aiming to achieve promotion right away.

Being a proven Championship player, McNair would also slot straightaway at Stoke and hit the ground running. Despite being injury-prone, McNair would be an excellent signing at the Bet365 Stadium.

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