Why Middlesbrough must beat Aston Villa and sign Yannick Bolasie on loan

Middlesbrough are interested in signing Everton winger Yannick Bolasie on loan, as reported by Liverpool Echo. Boro, who have had a perfect start to their season, need to make a few loan signings before the European deadline. And Bolasie has fallen down the Toffees’ pecking order since Marco Silva’s arrival. Hence, Tony Pulis must beat rivals Aston Villa to acquire his signature temporarily.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Democratic Republic of Congo international has held talks with both clubs as he seeks more action this season. Bolasie was out injured for over a year and the 29-year old has been deemed surplus to requirements by the Portuguese boss and is set to depart Goodison Park (h/t Liverpool Echo).

Pulis has worked with him during his stint at Crystal Palace and the prospect of reuniting with his former boss should prompt the player to join the Teesside outfit. Bolasie signed for Everton two summers ago but should a move to the Championship come through, his parent club would have to pay a big chunk of his £70,000-a-week wages.

Last season, Middlesbrough finished fifth, a spot off Villa who finished fourth. Both teams lost in the promotion playoffs at Wembley Stadium.

Tellingly, Middlesbrough scored the least number of goals for any team in the top-six. The Riverside outfit scored 67 while runners-up Cardiff City scored 69.

However, Bolasie is not a prolific finisher; his personal-best return was five goals in 26 Premier League matches for Palace in 2015/16. But he would offer a different dimension to Middlesbrough, as they seek to build on their fine start to the season.

Strong in the air, the Congolese is a threat from indirect free-kicks. His excellent dribbling skills and crossing would help Boro unlock deep-sitting defences. Furthermore, Bolasie likes to cut inside and is good at threading a defence-splitting key pass.

Read More: Tips to Pulis: Signing this Liverpool ace could massively help Middlesbrough in their promotion bid

If Middlesbrough are to have a genuine shot at promotion this season, Pulis should pull off this shrewd business fast before Steve Bruce and Aston Villa hijack it.