According to The Northern Echo, Middlesbrough have pulled out of the race to sign Sunderland midfielder Paddy McNair, despite having an offer of more than £5m accepted.

What’s the story?

Boro were believed to be confident of securing the services of McNair after agreeing a transfer figure with Sunderland, who were relegated from the Championship last season.

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However, according to The Northern Echo, Tony Pulis’ side have withdrawn from the race after becoming frustrated at ongoing discussions with alternative suitors.

Indeed, both Stoke City and Brighton & Hove Albion are believed to be interested in the former Manchester United youngster, and McNair’s negotiating team has been talking to other clubs in a bid to secure the best possible deal.

Boro have reportedly now decided that they will not fight to convince McNair to make the move to the Riverside Stadium, and will instead pursue alternative targets.

How will this one end?

Stoke now appear to be in pole position to sign the Northern Ireland international from Sunderland in what would be a big blow to Boro.

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Pulis’ team reached the semi-finals of the Championship playoffs last season before losing to Aston Villa, and they are facing a fight to keep a number of first-team stars this summer.

Indeed, Adama Traore is widely expected to move on, and the arrival of McNair would have certainly increased Boro’s goal threat from midfield.

The 23-year-old managed five Championship goals in just 16 appearances last season, and actually made 27 first-team appearances for Man United before leaving the 20-time English champions for Sunderland in 2016.

There is no question that 6ft 2in McNair would have been a fine addition for Boro, but they are seemingly not prepared to convince him to move to the Riverside Stadium, and Stoke now look likely to get the deal over the line.