Villa join Boro in Bolasie battle

The DR Congo international spent Monday at Middlesbrough's training ground to discuss a season-long loan move, but traveled to the Midlands on Tuesday to speak to Villa boss Steve Bruce.

Bolasie is surplus to requirements at Goodison Park following the arrivals of Richarlison and Bernard and is faced with a season of twiddling his thumbs on the sidelines if he doesn't pursue a move.

The 29-year-old has familiar faces at both clubs, having played with Boro's Britt Assombalonga at international level and worked with Tony Pulis at Crystal Palace and being good friends of Villa's Albert Adomah from their time at Bristol City.

The departure of Adama Traore has left Boro short of options out wide, whilst Villa are still keen on adding to their options on the flanks as they pursue moves for both Bolasie and Liverpool's Sheyi Ojo.