Tony Pulis reveals why Yannick Bolasie chose Aston Villa over Middlesbrough

The Everton winger was a long-standing target for Middlesbrough, who initially tried to sign him on a permanent basis before the window slammed shut on August 9.

But with time running out, attentions turned to a loan move for the DR Congo international - who Pulis managed during his time at Crystal Palace.

Reports this week suggested that Middlesbrough were in pole position to land the 29-year-old after he was on Teesside for talks with club officials.

However, Aston Villa now look to have swooped in and sealed a deal for the wideman, with confirmation expected later today.

And a tweet from Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie states that Pulis has revealed that he feels location was behind Bolasie's decision to join the Midlanders.

Now, with a move to Villa seemingly inevitable, the Boro boss is now keen to move on and look to other targets.

"I think Bolasie will go to Villa. That will all be sorted out," he said.

"But we move on. Like I say the important thing is the club, the team.

"If he decides choose Villa then he decides to choose Villa.

"We've had a go and done the best we can do, and if Villa can do better that's fair play to them."

Pulis also confirmed that talks did take place with Bolasie earlier this week, although it was always the plan for him to visit other clubs following his trip to the North East.

"There were two or three clubs interested," he admitted.

"He wanted to come up and have a look around, and then he was going to go off to other clubs and have a look at them.

"I know the kid from when I was at Palace, so there were no problems. He was very straight and honest."