Derby County could kill two birds with one stone this summer by sealing a ‘tremendous’ free transfer move.
Paul Warne is currently planning for Derby County’s return to the Championship.
The Rams are likely to prioritise three areas of their squad this summer, including a new goalkeeper, central midfielder and striker after watching six first-team players depart.
Warne made the surprise decision to let go of Golden Glove Award winner Joe Wildsmith and veteran shot-stopper Scott Loach, leaving him with just Josh Vickers as his only option.
There were multiple departures in the midfield department as Conor Hourihane, Max Bird, Korey Smith and Ebou Adams departed, with just Tyrese Fornah, Liam Thompson and Darren Robinson left in midfield.
Improvements will also be required at striker as veterans Conor Washington and James Collins don’t possess the firepower to score enough goals in the Championship.
With wholesale changes expected across the board, pressure has been placed on Warne to execute a successful strategy in the transfer window. Luckily, there is one player available who can kill two birds with one stone.
Why Derby County should snap up Paddy McNair
Middlesborough announced the exit of Paddy McNair after six years and 219 appearances for the Teesiders.
The 29-year-old excelled across multiple positions during his time at the Riverside, operating predominantly as a centre-back but also evincing his qualities as a midfielder.
Dubbed a “tremendous” talent by former Rams boss Wayne Rooney when he was coming through the ranks at Manchester United, McNair is an assured ball-playing centre-back, who can also slot into the base of midfield.
In the Championship last term, he showcased his quality as a progressive ball player, ranking in the top 14% for progressive passes and the top 6% for progressive carries per 90.
McNair’s ability to dictate proceedings centrally and build up from the back are two attributes Warne desires in his defence. Not only that but the Northern Ireland international could be used at the base of midfield while acting as cover for Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson.
READ MORE: Derby County star Eiran Cashin’s journey from almost released to Premier League transfer interest
Paddy McNair would be a bargain
On a free transfer, it’s hard to argue against Warne snapping up the Northern Ireland international.
He’s a seasoned Championship player and covers multiple positions.
Derby need to be smart with their transfer business, so bringing in someone who can play centre-back and in midfield would be hugely beneficial.
Warne could also save a lot of money by signing McNair as he’s approaching the peak years of his career and during his six years at Boro he proved himself to be an invaluable asset.
He’s the type of player that could cost a team seven figures if he wasn’t out of contract, so the fact he is just gives Derby all the more reason to secure his signature.