Gloves are off in fight for Bolasie
VILLA have made a late move to hijack Middlesbrough’s deal for Yannick Bolasie as Steve Bruce looks to bolster his attack.
The Everton winger held talks with Boro but returned to Merseyside overnight and may still listen to what Villa have on offer before making a decision.
Bruce has identified the 29-year-old as a top target as he aims to sign two flankers on loan before the end of the month, as well as a new striker.
Tammy Abraham is still on the radar but that pursuit could run all the way up until the August 31 deadline.
Abraham has not been getting game-time for Chelsea, despite Michy Batshuayi leaving for Valencia on a season-long loan.
Liverpool’s Sheyi Ojo is also a target while players on the continent are under consideration following the recent enlisted help of super-agent Jorge Mendes.
The good news for Villa is that Bolasie has now accepted he may need to drop down into the Championship to get his career back on track.
Bruce has spoken about potential loan signings, admitting: “It’s very difficult to get players in (from the Premier League).
“We have to be realistic and hope we can sign one or two from the bigger clubs. The big clubs want them to get experience and that’s normal.
“We’ve been close to one or two and they’ve gone to Europe – somewhere in Italy, France or Spain. Others want to go and play in Europe, too.
“You have got to make sure you have the right ones who want to come and play.
“I never had any problems with John Terry when he dropped down, for example. Once he decided to come here, with his professional standards, he would want to do well.”
Meanwhile, Rangers have been linked with a loan move for Villa outcast Ross McCormack.
It’s understood Villa will agree to pay a percentage of his £40,000-a-week wages should the 31-year-old source a suitable loan move this month.
McCormack is looking at his options, with clubs in Turkey also keen, but he would rather stay in Britain and Rangers, where he started his career, are an option, along with Sunderland.