West Brom now trying to sign £17m player after his move to Leeds United…

McNair left Middlesbrough as a free agent at the end of last season, having made more than 200 senior appearances during his six years on Teesside.

The Northern Ireland international, who also played for Sunderland after graduating through the youth ranks at Manchester United, was approached by a number of clubs in the MLS and has signed a contract agreement with San Diego FC.

However, with the new MLS season not starting until January, McNair has signed a deal with Championship side West Brom that will run to December 31.

“West Brom are a very good club and have always been one I’ve admired,” said the versatile defender, who can also play in central midfield. “I know a lot of lads who have played here in the past and they have all said good things about it, so I am happy to be here.

“I’ve played in the Championship for the last seven or eight years, so I have that Championship experience. You always want to be fighting at the top, last year you (West Brom) missed out on the play-off final but hopefully this year can go one better.

“I think at the end of my time here, I want to leave the team in the best position possible, closest to the top of the league as possible, that would be great.”

When McNair leaves the Hawthorns, he will head to America to play for a San Diego side that is due to enter the MLS as a new expansion team in 2025. The team, which will become the 30th side in the MLS, will play out the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.