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One of the themes of this summer has been other clubs being suddenly willing to accept Everton’s trash surplus. Fiorentina was hoodwinked into taking Kevin Mirallas, while down at Stoke City, they signed up for the Cuco Martina and Ashley Williams program.
It’s been rumored off and on for weeks, but a new contender has firmly emerged - Middlesbrough are set to acquire both Yannick Bolasie and Muhamed Besic, according to Sky Sports.
Can confirm Yannick Bolasie is holding face-to-face talks with Tony Pulis at the Middlesbrough training ground today. The Everton winger travelled to Teesside and stayed at Rockliffe last night. Season-long loan (perhaps with option to buy) being discussed.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) August 20, 2018
Can also confirm a deal in principle is in place to take Everton midfielder Mo Besic to Middlesbrough on loan. The Bosnian was at Rockliffe for talks last night and has returned to the North West to sort out an issue with Everton - but a loan deal looking likely.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) August 20, 2018
Let the record show this is the first time I’ve ever felt any affection towards Tony Pulis.
Both players, incidentally, have played for the Welsh manager before - Besic enjoyed a standout season on loan at Teesside last year, while Bolasie plied his trade with Pulis at Crystal Palace during 2013-14.
The Bosnian midfielder’s fit in a Pulis team is unquestioned, and while it may seem weird for a flair player like Bolasie, the Boro do need to replace Adama Traore, another winger known for his outstanding dribbling ability.
If these deals can be nudged across the line, Everton should be nearly done with clearing out their dead weight. Sandro Ramirez and Matthew Pennington could still be on the outs, but Marcel Brands has done an exemplary job of culling the squad.