Sunderland have slapped a £7million price-tag on the head of midfielder Paddy McNair amid interest from recently promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers, according to the Northern Echo.
The publication states that aside from the West Midlands outfit, Brighton have also expressed an interest in the 23-year-old Northern Irishman, and that the Black Cats will be demanding a seven-figure fee for his capture.
The report states that the Seagulls have already had a £3.5million bid rejected and that a £5million offer is to be expected.
However, Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to bolster his options in the centre of the park going into the Premier League and it would seem that McNair is the man who fits the bill.
The 23-year-old made only 16 appearances all season for the Black Cats after returning from a knee injury and is under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2020.
Good move for Wolves?
McNair was in sensational form for Sunderland following his return to the side from a long-term injury lay-off and scored five goals in the 16 outings he did manage under Chris Coleman – not bad in a side who were relegated from the Championship.
However, £7m is a high price to pay for a player whose career has never managed to gain any momentum as it has been hampered by spells in and out of the team.
This is Futbol verdict: 5/10
Likely to happen?
Wolves have money to spend so they are not likely to be tight with the purse-strings.
Yes, they could do with strengthening in the centre of the park but there will be few who can see how this is going to work out.
Nuno needs consistency in the side and it is unlikely with McNair he will get that.
However, if the Northern Irishman could become less injury prone he could be a player for the future at Wolves.
This is Futbol verdict: 4/10