Middlesbrough are interested in signing former Crystal Palace winger Bakary Sako, according to reports in the UK.

However, Boro are not the only team interested in signing the 30-year-old with Aston Villa also keen on the Malian international.

Manager Tony Pulis failed with deals for both Albert Adomah and Yannick Bolasie on deadline day last month and is said to be looking to strengthen his options out wide.

As Sako is not with a club, he can be snapped up outside of the transfer window, but one of the major concerns will be whether they can agree personal terms with the player.

The winger was reportedly close to securing a return to Palace after his last contract expired in June, but it seems the Eagles could not come to an agreement over a new deal.

With Boro being in the Championship, the likelihood of them being able to match a Premier League club’s offer is unlikely, but the prospect of more game time may tempt Sako into signing on the dotted line.