Middlesbrough and Leeds 'working on' deal for target - as Swansea enter the race

After an impressive loan spell at the Riverside Stadium, there were hopes that the Bosnian would return to the Riverside Stadium for a longer stay.

Indeed, a permanent deal looked likely until the demands of Besic's agent reportedly put paid to that move.

MORE: Pulis reveals his transfer frustration after unsuccessful offersA loan deal remains a possibility for Boro boss Tony Pulis, who is desperate to add new faces to his side before the August 31 deadline.

But any deal will require Middlesbrough to fight off competition from two other Championship clubs, with Leeds Live reporting that Swansea City have now entered the race for the midfielder.

Leeds United were already claimed to be keen on Besic as the midfiedler looks set to exit Goodison Park.

READ: Loan exit for Middlesbrough man being 'held up'Marco Silva addressed his future during his weekly press conference and claimed that - while nothing was imminent - deals were being worked on by the Toffees' hierarchy.

“We’ll see if they [Everton's out of favour players, including Besic] leave,” he said.

“We have a big squad in this moment but it is normal that they want to play more minutes.

"Our board are working on them things and if we have any updates I will tell you in the next few days. I am focused on the games and training sessions."