Celtic join race for Middlesbrough midfielder as Portsmouth fight to keep key man - reports

The Northern Ireland international made just 16 league appearances for the Teessiders last season following his move from Sunderland a year ago.

Recent reports have claimed that McNair, 24, is on the radar of Premier League newcomers Sheffield United, who are still yet to make their first signing of the summer.

But according to Teamtalk, Celtic are also interested in McNair and ‘have made an enquiry to Middlesbrough about his availability’.

The report also claims new Middlesbrough head coach Jonathan Woodgate is keen to take a closer look at the player, who was often deployed in defence last season.

In terms of incomings, Boro have been linked with Portsmouth winger Jamal Lowe in recent months, but would face fierce competition from other Championship clubs if they pursue the 24-year-old.

According to the Portsmouth News, Lowe, who scored 17 goals in all competitions last season, is "questioning his future" at Fratton Park after Kenny Jackett’s side missed out on promotion to the Championship.

Portsmouth won’t go down without a fight though, and it’s also been reported that both Millwall and Wigan have seen bids rejected for Lowe, who is valued at around £3million by Pompey.

Earlier this month, Portsmouth chief executive Mark Catlin said: ‘We don’t have to sell anyone.

“I have to stress again, our transfer business isn’t reliant on any players going out and we are under zero pressure to sell.”

Jack Ross’ former team St Mirren are set to name Jim Goodwin as their new boss after agreeing a three-year deal with their former captain.

The Buddies have moved quickly to secure the Irishman as Oran Kearney's replacement just 24 hours after axing the man who kept them up last term.

A compensation deal with Goodwin's current club Alloa has been agreed and the 37-year-old is now set to return to the club he skippered to 2014 League Cup glory in time to lead the Saints squad to Northern Ireland for Friday night's friendly showdown with Belfast amateurs Rosario Juniors.