Middlesbrough FC transfer rumours: Attacker sends message to Everton fans, surprising contract update plus Bournemouth manager reports

Middlesbrough hosted two England internationals at the Riverside last week – while the Teessiders continue to assess potential transfer targets ahead of the 2021/22 season.
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Here are some of the latest Boro-related and Championship stories circling the web.

Yannick Bolasie’s message

Despite games being played behind closed doors last season, Boro fans enjoyed watching Yannick Bolasie during his loan spell at the Riverside.

Yannick Bolasie playing for Middlesbrough.Yannick Bolasie playing for Middlesbrough.
Yannick Bolasie playing for Middlesbrough.
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The 32-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer when his contract expires at Everton, but he would have to take a significant wage cut to return to Teesside.

According to The Athletic, Bolasie is set to hold further talks with Boro this summer.

After his departure from Everton was confirmed, Bolasie tweeted: “Thank you @Everton.

"Ups & downs in my rollercoaster journey but the smile stays forever…it was an honour to play for this football club and have the opportunity to be supported by the incredible fans

“Just know I repped the shirt till the end! Love Yala.”

Bettinelli in contract talks

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Another former Boro loanee who is set to become a free agent this summer is goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli.

The 29-year-old won’t be returning to the Riverside after the arrival of Joe Lumley, while Boro boss Neil Warnock is still looking for another keeper.

According to BBC Sport, Bettinelli is in talks with Fulham over a new contract following the club's relegation from the Premier League.

It’s also been reported the Whites have activated clauses to extend the deals of former Boro full-back Cyrus Christie and Maxime Le Marchand by a further year.

Woodgate job under threat

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Finally, former Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate is reportedly in danger of being axed by Bournemouth

Woodgate, 41, was named the Cherries’ boss until the end of the season in February and guided the side into the Championship play-offs, before they were beaten by Brentford over two legs.

According to The Sun, Bournemouth plan to change manager, with Fulham boss Scott Parker at the top of their wish list.

The report claims that Parker, 40, was wanted by Bournemouth when Eddie Howe left a year ago, but the Cherries could’t seal a deal.

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