Everton look increasingly set to offload £25m signing Yannick Bolasie after reports indicated that a deal to send the winger to Middlesbrough is close.
According to Sky Sports, taking Bolasie to Teesside is a key priority for ‘Boro manager Neil Warnock, who has worked with the DR Congo international during his time at Crystal Palace.
The Eagles sold the playmaker to Everton in 2016, but a series of injuries and increased competition for places has left the technician – labelled as ‘fun to watch’ by Talking the Blues podcast pundit George Costigan – out in the cold.
He has previously been shipped out on loan to Sporting Lisbon, Anderlecht and Aston Villa, who were were in the Championship at the time.
Bolasie was in talks to join Middlesbrough on deadline day in October but the deal broke down on the verge of the cut-off. However, his return to the second tier seems an increasing possibility after the latest reports.
The 31-year-old is reportedly ‘one of a number’ of January targets for Warnock, who may also have additional funds freed up if he cuts short Patrick Roberts’ loan deal from Manchester City. The 23-year-old has failed to make a strong impact at Middlesbrough, opening the door both from a financial and sporting perspective for Bolasie to make the switch.
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Bolasie’s contract expires in the summer, so the Toffees sanctioning a move indicates a willingness to cut their losses and get Bolasie’s reported £75,000-a-week wages off their books
The move would come at a huge loss for the Toffees, although a loan deal may at least partially offset some of Bolasie’s wages if ‘Boro foot even part of the bill.
It seems increasingly likely that Warnock will finally get his wish of taking Bolasie away from Goodison Park.
