Reading have offered free-agent Yannick Bolasie a contract to join the Championship side after Everton released the forward last month, according to Berkshire Live.
Everton elected against handing Bolasie a new deal before his previous terms expired on June 30. The DR Congo international left Goodison Park with Joshua King, Muhamed Besic and Theo Walcott, who has signed a two-year deal to re-join Southampton permanently.
Reading are now moving to improve manager Veljko Paunovic’s squad at the Madejski Stadium to move closer to promotion contention. The Royals finished last term in seventh-place, as the highest-ranked side not in the play-offs after falling seven points short.
Reading are yet to make any signings this summer and face difficulties obtaining Bolasie after his Everton farewell. The EFL placed the Royals under a transfer embargo, so they can only sign free agents or agree loan deals.
Paunovic hopes to make Bolasie his first addition of the window after Reading tabled a contract to the 32-year-old. The Berkshire side have also expressed an interest in Junior Hoilett after he left Cardiff in similar circumstances.
Bolasie spent five years as an Everton player following a £25m move from Crystal Palace. But only played 32 games for the club after missing most of 2017 after a serious knee injury.
He also spent time on loan at Aston Villa, Anderlecht, Sporting Lisbon and Middlesbrough. The 43-cap winger scored three goals and four assists at the Riverside Stadium during the latter half of last season.
But Bolasie’s efforts under Neil Warnock failed to convince Everton to renew his £75,000-per-week contract. He could now return to the Championship permanently with Reading, although the Northern Echo claimed Warnock wanted Boro to explore keeping him.
Reading want the Bolasie that excited Everton
Reading will want the version of Bolasie that excited Everton in 2016 to help fire them to promotion. The DR Congo international was a livewire during his time at Crystal Palace, but endured persistent frustration at Goodison Park.
Everton missed the spark Bolasie could offer whilst injured in 2017, but the blow took the shine off the wheels. Nonetheless, Sam Allardyce looked forward to having the winger available after he took over from Ronald Koeman on Merseyside.
“The team has been crying out for what he offers,” Allardyce said, via The Guardian. “Yannick is blessed with dynamic movements and pace that cause defenders great concern. He probably occupies two players when he’s at his best because he’s such a danger.”
Middlesbrough saw parts of that dangerous presence coming back during Bolasie’s loan spell last season. He ended the season strongly, and Reading will hope Bolasie continues finding that touch again if signed after his Everton release.
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