According to reports in the Northern Echo, Wolverhampton Wanderers have entered the race to sign £7m-rated Sunderland midfielder Paddy McNair this summer.

What's the word, then?

Well, the Northern Echo says that Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to strengthen his squad after their return to the Premier League, and he has identified the versatile 6ft tall Black Cat as a potential target.

The Northern Echo says that Wolves' top flight rivals Brighton and Hove Albion and a host of Championship clubs want the 23-year-old after the Wearside outfit suffered relegation to League One, but new owner Stewart Donald is ready to hold out for £7m for the former Manchester United man.

The report adds that McNair is keen to play in the Premier League again, which could leave the west Midlands outfit at the front of the queue for his signature if they are ready to pay up.

How did McNair do last season?

While it was a disappointing campaign for Sunderland as they suffered their second successive relegation, things were slightly better for the Northern Irishman even though he endured an injury-hit campaign.

The versatile 23-year-old, who can play as a centre-back but often featured as a central or defensive midfielder for the Black Cats, impressed in his 16 Championship appearances, scoring five goals – including four in his last five league outings.

That included one in his side's shock 3-0 success at home to Wolves last month, where he dominated against the highly-rated Ruben Neves in the centre of the park.

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Would he be a good Wolves signing?

He certainly would be, yes.

While he has technically been part of the Sunderland squad that has been relegated twice, he missed most of those two battles on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury, and he largely impressed when he was on the pitch.

The 23-year-old clearly has plenty of ability – as shown by being a Man United player previously – and there is no doubt that he would bring something to Wolves, who have been linked with a huge big-money move for a £52m striker, in the Premier League.

Given his versatility, eye for goal and reasonably low price tag, the Northern Ireland international could prove to be a bargain buy in the long run.