Boro beaten to Bolasie capture as Villans sneak in last-gasp loan deal offer
Everton‘s Yannick Bolasie has apparently decided to join Aston Villa on a season-long loan deal, according to reports.
The out-of-favour winger was expected to join Middlesbrough for the 2018/19 campaign, and be reunited with Tony Pulis on Teeside.
However, the Gazzette Live has claimed that Bolasie has chosen not to accept Boro’s invitation to play for them this term, and he will instead complete a move to their Championship title rivals in the Midlands.
Bolasie is thought to have travelled to Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground on Tuesday to discuss terms and chat to manager Steve Bruce.
And the ex-Hull City boss appears to have convinced the 29-year-old to dismiss Boro’s interest and ply his trade at Villa Park for the next eight months.
Bolasie seemed set to work with Pulis for the second time in his career after the duo worked together during their time at Crystal Palace.
The DR Congo international was believed to be following in Muhamed Besic’s steps in trading Premier League football with the Blues and join Boro on loan for this season.
However, those plans have been put paid to by Villa, and Bolasie will likely face off against Besic in England’s second tier throughout this term.
Bolasie is yet to feature under Toffees gaffer Marco Silva, with a bout of illness ensuring that his pre-season was disrupted significantly.
Competition on the wings has increased in his absence, with Brazilian pair Richarlison and Bernard joining Everton and pushing Bolasie down the pecking order.
The ex-Palace star has struggled to rediscover his best form since he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury against Manchester United in December 2016.
This loan move will be good for Bolasie and give him the game time he needs to get his match sharpness back up to speed, and also put him in the shop window for Everton, who may look to sell him if interested parties offer a decent wedge of cash for his signature.