Everton winger Yannick Bolasie opens up on collapsed move to Middlesbrough and relationship with Neil Warnock

The 31-year-old was keen to sign for Boro and play for manager Neil Warnock, his former boss at Crystal Palace.

Warnock wanted to sign the player but a deal wasn’t completed in time, leaving both parties frustrated on transfer deadline day.

It meant Bolasie was forced to stay at Everton, yet the winger hasn’t been registered as part of the Toffees’ Premier League squad and hasn't played for the club since 2018 – amid loan spells at Anderlecht and Sporting Lisbon.

Warnock has said he’d be keen to revive the deal in January as he looks to bolster Boro’s attacking options for the second half of the campaign.

Bolasie didn’t discuss his future plans while appearing as a guest on Soccer AM over the weekend, but did speak about his admiration for Warnock.

"That move nearly happened," said Bolasie when asked Boro.

"It was a move that I initiated because I called the gaffer. I know him well and saw it as a good opportunity to go and play games.

"It didn't happen, obviously, but I'm still working, that's the main thing.

"He's my guy. He was the one that gave me so much confidence at Crystal Palace. When I was first coming through he kind of said, 'here's the keys to the castle, just go and do your thing'.

"For me, I've always had a good understanding with him."

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