Cats’ Donald defiant over race to snare McNair

Stewart Donald has revealed that there are other clubs closer to Sunderland’s valuation for Paddy McNair than Brighton.

But the SAFC owner would prefer that the 23-year-old midfielder stays on Wearside for the Black Cats’ League One challenge.

The Premier League Seagulls have so far had two bids for the Northern Ireland international midfielder rejected and Donald has revealed that he hasn’t heard back from Brighton since the last one was turned down.

Donald has already stated that he does not want to sell the in-demand forner Manchester United man this summer – McNair finished last season with four goals in his last five Championship games.

Reports in the national press had suggested that Brighton were on the verge of signing McNair (pictured) in a £7million deal.

Donald took to Twitter to deny that was the case. He wrote: “No truth. I have not heard from Brighton since turning down their offer.

“I don’t want to hear from them, would prefer Paddy stay.

“Also there are other clubs that are closer to our valuation than Brighton, so I’m not sure where that story has come from. We will see.”

It seems Sunderland are facing an increasing battle to keep hold of their star midfielder, though, with interest strong.

Brighton have had two bids rejected so far, the latest for £3.5million, while an unnamed London-based club has seen an offer of £3.75million knocked back.

McNair has not indicated he wants to leave Sunderland, though he has spoken of a desire to play Premier League football again.