According to the Daily Mail, Everton winger Yannick Bolasie is on the verge of joining Derby County’s Championship rivals Middlesbrough on loan.
The DR Congo international is out of favour at Everton.
Bolasie was reportedly close to leaving the Toffees last summer when both Derby County and Middlesbrough were looking at signing him on a season-long loan deal.
The Northern Echo claim Derby were alerted to his availability, while Blackburn Rovers and Millwall held talks with Everton officials over a potential deal.
Boro, however, were always the most likely. Manager Neil Warnock had him before at Crystal Palace, and Bolasie was seemingly open to re-uniting with the experienced boss.
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A deal in the summer failed to materialise. But now, the Daily Mail claim Boro are back in for him again and Warnock said he hopes a deal will be completed.
Bolasie could provide Boro a lift in their bid for the Championship playoffs. On his day, Warnock believes the speedy winger can be unbelievable and his side need a spark.
Derby, meanwhile, will see another of their targets this season head elsewhere.
The Rams have yet to sign anybody this month. The prospective takeover is dragging on, and it’s denting their ability to strengthen the squad before the transfer deadline.
Mike te Wierik and Duane Holmes have left. The squad is slim, while goals have been a real problem this season with Derby short on attacking and creative outlets.
Rooney, having played with Bolasie at Everton, could use a player of his pedigree at Pride Park if only to help the Rams in their bid to preserve their Championship status this season.
Bolasie once cost Everton some £25 million when he moved to Goodison Park from Palace. If Warnock can get a tune out of him, then Boro could have some player on their hands.
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