Hull City are close to signing former Manchester United defender Paddy McNair, fending off competition from their league rivals.
The Championship side have been busy in the January transfer market as they look to maintain their momentum for a play-off push.
Bristol City’s Yu Hirawaka joined on loan, while deals for Tom Collyer and Leicester target Kieran Dowell remain in the pipeline.
Hull City currently sit in fourth, just five points adrift of Middlesbrough in second with a game in hand.
Hull City To Sign Paddy McNair
Hull moved to sign the experienced central defender on a free transfer following the injury to Semi Ajayi.
Ajayi pulled a hamstring during AFCON and is expected to be ruled out of action for at least six weeks.
McNair, 30, is currently in the MLS with San Diego but has been granted permission to fly to England and complete his move to Hull this week.
The Northern Ireland international spent the first half of last season at West Brom but only featured twice in the league.
He arrives with bags of Championship experience, having amassed over 200 appearances with the likes of Middlesbrough and Sunderland.
Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic was asked about a potential deal to bring McNair to Hull in Thursday’s press conference and responded: “I think at the end of this week it will be done.
“I spoke with Paddy, especially now we have problems with Semi. We must sign a centre-back because we have 20 games to go and we lack this position.
“We have an opportunity to take him, so it’s a good option for us. He also has a lot of Championship experience, so he doesn’t need any adaptation to this league.”
A Blow For Oxford And Portsmouth
The signing will come as a significant blow for Oxford and Portsmouth, who were looking towards McNair to help with their Championship survival bid.
Oxford sit second bottom and are in danger of being cut adrift as they sit five points behind Pompey, who are just outside the relegation zone.
Both sides have made moves this window with Oxford signing Jamie Donley on loan from Tottenham while Portsmouth completed a deal for midfielder Ebou Adams.
Numerous Championship sides are looking to invest this January, with some significant transfers on the cards.
Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson is likely to leave on loan, with the likes of QPR and Millwall interested.
Swansea are also fighting to keep hold of striker Zan Vipotnik after his brace saw him top the Championship goalscoring charts.
Meanwhile, Wrexham are hoping to break a Championship record by offering a staggering £19million for striker Sidiki Cherif.
