MIDDLESBROUGH

Tony Pulis has taken the lead in the race to sign Sunderland midfielder Paddy McNair.

Boro have had an offer accepted for the 23-year-old and it is believed to be £5m-plus extras.

But Middlesbrough have not got their man yet and until he signs the door remains open for Premier League clubs to strike a deal.

Brighton and Wolves have both been in touch with Sunderland and Brighton are known to have had an offer of £3.5m rejected so far.

They are willing to increase their offer but it remains to be seen if they will match Middlesbrough’s bid.

Chris Hughton, the Brighton manager, is still hopeful of getting a deal done for him but Middlesbrough will be doing what they can to get things wrapped up.

McNair has already outlined that he would prefer to go to the Premier League rather than the Championship following Sunderland’s relegation to League One.

Middlesbrough are yet to make a signing this summer – although they are not the only club being patient.

SUNDERLAND

Sunderland owner Stewart Donald has indicated that there could be a couple of new signings this week.

Even though he is working on ways of moving players on, such as accepting the offer from Middlesbrough for McNair, he insists that Sunderland will not be throwing millions around in League One.

Nevertheless Sunderland know that they need to make a number of signings in readiness for Jack Ross’ first season at the Stadium of Light.

One of Ross’ top targets is Celtic’s Lewis Morgan, who worked with him at St Mirren. Morgan, though, has suggested he wants to fight for his place at Parkhead and does not want another loan.

NEWCASTLE

Rafael Benitez continues to be linked with a number of players but there has been little sign of progress so far in terms of sealing deals.

Reports in Italy claim the Magpies have made an £11.4m offer for Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro.

The 25-year-old has been on Benitez’s radar for more than a year and he is aware that competition for places means the player is available.

Juve are looking for nearer to the £17.5m asking price but somewhere in the middle could be enough to get a deal done.

Newcastle are expected to lose players this summer too and allowing Mikel Merino, who is still interesting Athletic Bilbao, to leave would free up further space in the midfield area.

Another midfielder, Jack Colback, does not look like he will be back at St James’ Park. He has 12 months left on his £40,000-a-week deal but Nottingham Forest are working hard to get him back at the City Ground for a further year.

OTHER CLUBS …

Manchester United are preparing a £60m bid to take Willian from Chelsea this summer.

Norwich midfielder Ben Godfrey is attracting interest after a breakthrough season with Shrewsbury Town.

Mario Balotelli would suit Marseille but a deal is far from confirmed, his agent Mino Raiola has said.

Watford will complete the £8m signing of Adam Masina from Bologna this week.

Crystal Palace have joined the chase for Arsenal's unsettled midfielder Jack Wilshere.

West Ham must meet Lazio's £35m valuation of Felipe Anderson if they want to sign the attacker.

Leicester are close to signing James Maddison in a £25m deal from Norwich.

Arsenal have brought in Newcastle's goalkeeper coach Chris Terpcou.

Chelsea transfer target Kalidou Koulibaly is not for sale this summer, according to Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis.