MIDDLESBROUGH look to have lost out in the battle to sign Yannick Bolasie after the Everton winger returned to Aston Villa’s training ground this morning.

Bolasie has held talks with both Boro and Villa as he looks to tie up a season-long loan away from Goodison Park.

Boro officials attempted to persuade him to choose a move to Teesside when they met him on Monday, but having spent yesterday at Villa’s Boddymoor Heath training complex, he returned to the Championship club’s training base the morning.

Reports from the Midlands claim he will undergo a medical today after indicating to Steve Bruce that he wants to join Villa.

Missing out on Bolasie would be a major blow to Boro boss Tony Pulis, who worked with the DR Congo international during his time at Crystal Palace.

Pulis, who remains hopeful of signing Everton midfielder Mo Besic, is keen to recruit a winger to replace Adama Traore, who left Teesside earlier this summer to join Wolves.