Yannick Bolasie has been given permission by Everton to hold negotiations with Middlesbrough over a transfer that could become permanent, according to a Sky Sports journalist.
Keith Downie, the broadcaster’s north-east correspondent, reported on his personal Twitter account that the 29-year-old has arrived at Boro’s training headquarters for face-to-face talks today (Monday) with manager Tony Pulis.
Downie report that Bolasie travelled to Teeside last night as discussions advance on a deal that would be on a season-long loan and may include an option to buy.
Can confirm Yannick Bolasie is holding face-to-face talks with Tony Pulis at the Middlesbrough training ground today. The Everton winger travelled to Teesside and stayed at Rockliffe last night. Season-long loan (perhaps with option to buy) being discussed.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) August 20, 2018
Good move for Everton?
Yes, especially if the club can negotiate a loan-to-buy deal that would become permanent next summer irrespective of how Bolasie fares this season. The £30million signing from Crystal Palace sums up the waste of the Farhad Moshiri era as they handed mega deals to players not worthy of them, with the 29-year-old earning £75,000-a-week, according to stats site Spotrac. Bolasie has flopped at Goodison, scoring two goals from 32 matches and looking as far from a brilliant and expensive acquisition as could possibly be imagined. Getting his salary off the wage bill makes absolute sense for Everton, who have brought in superior replacements this year, including Richarlison and Theo Walcott, the current first choices for the wide forward roles.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
Yes, it is certainly more likely than not. Given that face-to-face talks are being held with Boro today, and that Everton are keen for him to go, expect a deal to be sealed if the numbers add up and Pulis convinces the player he will have a key role this season.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10