Aston Villa line up Manchester United player to fill void left by Clark – report
By Alex Taylor
Aston Villa are eyeing up a loan move for Manchester United defender Paddy McNair as a replacement for Newcastle-bound Ciaran Clark, according to a report.
The Mirror claim that the Midlands club are interested in the United centre-back as they seek to make an instant return to England’s top-tier next season.
Villa are on the hunt for defensive cover as Clark puts the finishing touches to his £5million move to Championship rivals Newcastle.
The Daily Star claim that Celtic have also expressed an interest in McNair along with Newcastle and their north-east rivals Sunderland.
It is said that McNair has been told by United he will be sent out on loan in the upcoming season to give him regular first-team action.
The centre-half, 21, was in the Northern Ireland squad at Euro 2016 and has demonstrated his versatility by excelling in a defensive midfield role for his country, while he has also played at right-back and centre-back for his club.
In other Aston Villa news, ex-boss Paul Lambert believes that United starlet Marcus Rashford was carried by his teammates last season.