Middlesbrough have until Friday to finalise any loan deals, and it appears that former Manchester United player Nick Powell is on their radar.

According to TEAMtalk, Tony Pulis is confident of beating Aston Villa, Derby County, Stoke City, Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion to the Wigan Athletic star.

The 24-year-old began his career at United, but after failing to make the grade at the top level, the attack-minded star opted to move to Wigan on a permanent basis in 2016.

Powell, who can play as an attacking midfielder or as a forward, has scored three goals and created four assists in four Championship outings already this season.

Boro's transfer activity has not been ideal following the losses of Ben Gibson, Adama Traore and Patrick Bamford.

However, on the pitch everything has been going to plan as the club currently reside second in the Championship table, level on points with leaders Leeds.

This report on Boro's alleged interest in Powell has been met with cynicism from some fans on Twitter.

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