OPINION
Steve Bruce is running out of time to add to his Aston Villa squad when the loan window slams shut at the end of August and he must one make one last-ditch effort to sign Yannick Bolasie on loan from Everton.
According to the Northern Echo, the 29-year-old is edging towards joining Middlesbrough on a temporary basis, but Villa have held talks about signing him already so there could be some hope remaining.
It is understood that Boro are offering a better financial package than Aston Villa, but with the club’s attack looking as though it needs strengthening as soon as possible, Bruce must plow as many resources as possible into luring the DR Congo international to the West Midlands.
Bolasie would be a stunning addition to the Villa attack if they can sign the Everton ace.
It is without doubt that he is a Premier League quality player and would instantly become one of the top wingers in the Championship if he was to drop down a level between now and next Friday’s deadline.
The £75,000-a-week (Spotrac) attacker is only down the pecking order at Goodison Park because a serious knee injury saw his form dip and the arrivals of Theo Walcott, Richarlison and Bernard in 2018 haven’t helped his cause one bit.
The Northern Echo reports that Middlesbrough are closing in on him though with him already being in talks at the North East club’s training base.
However there is still time to be able to sign up the dazzling wide-man, and a last-gasp bid for him should be a priority for Bruce and the Villa Park chiefs at the moment.