Portsmouth and Oxford United are both interested in taking Northern Ireland centre-back Paddy McNair, 30, on loan this month for a return to the Championship. It is said that McNair is interested in the move back to England, reportedly because he is not guaranteed game time with San Diego and wants to be sharp for Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifying play-off in March, as the MLS season does not start until February. The California-based club is said to be open to allowing him to leave. McNair joined the MLS club in July 2024 and has a contract until the end of 2027. He has 80 caps and 7 goals for Northern Ireland and has a current Transfermarkt market value of €2.80m.