Championship high-flyers Middlesbrough reportedly want to raid Premier League Palace for Jason Puncheon as Aston Villa close on Yannick Bolasie.
Fortunately for Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace have told Jason Puncheon that he can leave on loan this month, according to the Standard.
That is because signing the 32-year-old Eagles ace is now looking essential for Boro between now and the end of August, particularly with Yannick Bolasie set to join one of Tony Pulis’ biggest promotion rivals.
Boro had been in talks to sign the £28 million Everton winger Yannick Bolasie for some time now, but the Birmingham Mail report that he is on his way to Aston Villa instead and would prefer to play in the Midlands than at the Riverside.
So Middlesbrough are now facing a race against time to sign an alternative. And Puncheon, though he isn’t the obvious Adama Traore replacement that Bolasie would have been, could fit the bill.
The 32-year-old would bring plenty of qualities to Pulis’ squad and has the technique and experience to shine at Championship level. Puncheon is an intelligent, creative and versatile midfielder whose impressive deliveries could get the best out of Britt Assombalonga and Ashley Fletcher.
TEAMtalk report that Middlesbrough were leading the chase for his signature earlier this week and now is the time to step up their pursuit as Bolasie prepares to don the claret and blue of Aston Villa.
He might lack speed. But Puncheon is the sort of creative lynch-pin Pulis needs.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
