Sunderland midfielder Paddy McNair has welcomed interest from Brighton.

The Seagulls are preparing a third bid for the Ulsterman.

McNair has been described as a "Premier League player" by Northern Ireland coach Michael O'Neill.

McNair said: “It's great when you have a manager believing in you.

“I love playing for Michael because he gives me so much confidence. I've learned a lot off him since I first came into the squad and I think I've definitely improved.

“If I can get back to the Premier League, that would be great, but I just want to concentrate on these Northern Ireland games and look at that afterwards."