MIDDLESBROUGH have rekindled their interest in Paddy McNair, and are set to complete the signing of the Sunderland midfielder in the next 24 hours.

Boro called off their pursuit of McNair on Thursday evening after they grew frustrated at the Northern Ireland international’s ongoing discussions with other clubs.

However, talks with the 23-year-old’s representatives over the weekend have persuaded the Teessiders to alter their stance, and McNair is set to undergo a medical at Boro’s Rockliffe Park training ground tomorrow.

Boro will pay around £5m for McNair’s services, and have also agreed personal terms with the former Manchester United trainee.

McNair has agreed to move to the Riverside despite interest from Brighton, who had a £3.5m bid rejected earlier this month, and Stoke City, who matched Boro’s £5m offer last week.

There were suggestions that Brighton were prepared to table an improved offer later in the transfer window if they were unable to land an alternative target, but rather than wait for a chance to return to the Premier League, McNair has opted to join Boro.

Tony Pulis identified him as a key target at the start of the summer as he believes he will add some youth and energy to Boro’s midfield mix, as well as a goal threat that was lacking for much of last season.

Jonny Howson was Boro’s highest-scoring central midfielder last season with three Championship goals, and Pulis regards McNair as more of a goal threat than Mo Besic, who spent the second half of last season on loan at the Riverside from Everton.

McNair scored three goals in his final five appearances for Sunderland, and was widely regarded as the Black Cats’ best player as they dropped into League One.

His two years at the Stadium of Light were blighted by a succession of injury problems, but Boro’s recruitment team are confident there are no long-standing problems that could restrict his ability to get on the pitch next season.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest will spend the next 48 hours trying to push through a deal for Boro striker Patrick Bamford.

Former Boro boss Aitor Karanka is keen to be reunited with Bamford this summer, having signed him on a loan and permanent basis during his time on Teesside.

Forest value Bamford at around £8m, but will almost certainly have to pay a much higher price to land the 24-year-old, who 11 goals in 38 Championship appearances in a Boro shirt last season.