McNair was a regular in the first team squad under Louis van Gaal last season, while Love made two appearances under the Dutchman.

Neither of the defensive duo played under Moyes, but he was aware of their presence in the youth team and hopes to persuade them to continue their development in the North East.

A joint fee of around £8 million is thought to have been agreed with United and it is now up to the players to decide if they want to leave Old Trafford. Sunderland, though, are confident both want to sign as, at thre age of 21, they need to be playing regularly in the Premier League rather than remain in the development squad.