How Aston Villa could hijack Middlesbrough's move for Jason Puncheon as former winger linked with return

Any potential deal will go down to the wire, with the loan transfer window set to close at 5pm today.

Boro had been in talks to sign Puncheon, a player who manager Tony Pulis worked with when the pair were at Palace.

But, according to Alan Nixon from the Sun, Villa, who also beat Boro to the signing of winger Yannick Bolasie, are also keen.

Reports suggest Middlesbrough are still working hard to push the deal over the line, while the club are also confident of completing a deal to sign Millwall midfielder George Saville.

Villa winger Albert Adomah is also considering a return to the Riverside, according to Birmingham Live.

Adomah helped Boro win promotion to the Premier League in 2016, and Villa manager Steve Bruce has reportedly informed Adomah he won’t be offered a new contract.

Leeds are also interested in the 30-year-old but a move to the Riverside seems more likely.