Aston Villa are on the verge of a significant coup by beating Middlesbrough to the services of Everton forward Yannick Bolasie, The Birmingham Mail reports.

What's the word?

A lengthy saga looks to be approaching a positive end for Steve Bruce's Aston Villa, as a major u-turn has occurred in the chase for DR Congo international Yannick Bolasie that looks set to see the experienced forward snub Middlesbrough in favour of a move to Villa Park.

The former £30m man is surplus to requirements at Everton and is willing to accept a drop down to the Championship, with The Birmingham Mail stating a deal could be agreed today after Bolasie held positive talks with Villa.

Bolasie travelled to Middlesbrough earlier this week to hold talks with Tony Pulis' side and, while he is yet to come to a final decision, it is stated the 29-year-old stayed overnight in Birmingham to mull over his future.

How big a deal in this?

After seeing Robert Snodgrass return to West Ham after a successful loan stint last year, with very little chance of the Scotland international returning to Villa Park, Steve Bruce was under significant pressure to fill that void in the squad.

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Snodgrass excelled last season with a return of seven goals and 14 assists, with that loss of creativity already starting to be obvious in the early stages of the season after Villa struggled to overcome ten-man Ipswich Town at the weekend.

While Bolasie's reputation has taken a hit in recent years, scoring just twice in the Premier League for Everton since signing from Crystal Palace in 2016, he is the sort of player who could thrive in the Championship to provide Bruce's side with a huge boost in the quest for promotion.

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