MIDDLESBROUGH have reaffirmed their stance on Paddy McNair and issued a hands off warning to other clubs amid speculation in the player and the January transfer window looming.

Reports suggest that Celtic and West Ham United could be interested in making a move for the versatile player next month.

McNair is contracted at Boro until the summer of 2024 and recently declared his love for playing for the club alongside his ambition of playing with them in the Premier League.

But being one of Boro’s standout players will naturally bring attention in from elsewhere. However, manager Chris Wilder believes he doesn’t need to convince the Northern Irishman to stay.

“I don’t have to fight hard to keep hold of (McNair) really” he said.

“He’s our player and he understands where we are trying to get to.

“Good players will always have interest in them, especially at this time in the season coming into January.

“A lot of speculation but until I get a phonecall, which I haven’t, everybody is here and fighting towards getting into the team and producing good performances and hopefully getting good results for the football club.”

Speaking to the media recently, McNair, 26, said: “I love playing for Middlesbrough. I love living in the area. It’s a brilliant football club and it’s just a really good place to come and train everyday. The facilities are amazing and they’ve got a brilliant stadium.

“As I’ve said before, this is a Premier League club. We’ve got a new manager now who has won promotion to the Premier League. He’s done very well in the Premier League especially in the first season with Sheffield United and before Covid. We’ve got everything here that we need to make the push.”