Middlesbrough are in pole position to sign Everton winger Yannick Bolasie before the transfer window shuts, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster report on their live transfer blog (Wednesday, 11.44am) that the Championship club are ahead of Crystal Palace in the running to land the wide man, 29.
Sky report Everton have told Bolasie he can find a new club and Boro are discussion both a permanent transfer and a loan with a view to a permanent deal.
Good move for Middlesbrough?
Yes, definitely. Bolaise might not have been a big hit at Everton (far from it, in fact after scoring just two goals from 32 mostly forgettable matches), but he could do huge damage to Championship defences. The DR Congo international has struggled since his return from a knee injury that took a year out of his career, but he still has the pace, tricks and penetration to give second-tier defenders nightmares in the upcoming season. Certainly, Boro are in the market for a wide forward after selling Adama Traore to Wolves for around £18million. Bolaise would be a direct replacement and a very good one.
This Is Futbol rating 9/10
Likely to happen?
This is looking increasingly likely, and it is encouraging for Boro that Sky report they are in the driving seat to seal the deal. The broadcaster claim two types of deal are possible, a permanent one or a temporary one. Don’t forget the window for loan signings for Championship clubs is open until the end of August.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10