Sunderland still keen on Leadbitter

SUNDERLAND are still hoping to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Grant Leadbitter – despite the apparent collapse of Paddy McNair’s move to Teesside.

The Black Cats had agreed a fee in the region of £5m with Boro for McNair, only for the deal to go sour last night.

Our sister title, the Evening Gazette, report that Boro chiefs have grown frustrated that the Sunderland hierarchy were still seemingly inviting bids for the Northern Ireland international despite a fee being agreed between the two parties.

And with little movement on the transfer this week, Boro have reportedly pulled out of the deal.

That leaves Stoke City as the favourites to sign McNair, who ended the season in fine style for Sunderland after a suffering injury problems for much of the campaign.

However, Black Cats chief Stewart Donald has revealed that the club are keen to bring Boro midfielder Grant Leadbitter back to Wearside – and that the move is not dependant on any other deal.

While relations between the two clubs could potentially be strained, Donald confirmed that former Sunderland man Leadbitter was on their radar this summer.

“Yes, Grant is a player on our radar,” he admitted. “And we would want it to be a permanent deal rather than a loan.

“But it is not that far down the line yet. And it is not part of the McNair deal.”

Leadbitter, 32, began his career with Sunderland in 2003, going on to make a total of 123 appearances for the club in all competitions before signing for Ipswich Town in 2009.

He has spent the last six years on Teesside following a free transfer from Portman Road.