Middlesbrough have reportedly moved to the brink of securing a loan deal for Everton midfielder Muhamed Besic.

Besic has struggled to establish himself in the starting lineup throughout his three-and-a-half-year stay at Goodison Park, while the Bosnia-Herzegovina international has also spent a prolonged spell on the sidelines through injury.

The 25-year-old has made just one appearance since the arrival of manager Sam Allardyce and according to the Daily Mail, Middlesbrough are keen on sealing a deal for the player.

Boro boss Tony Pulis wants to strengthen his squad before the end of the transfer window, with three wins and three defeats coming from his first half-a-dozen matches in charge at the Riverside Stadium.

Pulis has already allowed central midfielder Adam Forshaw to leave the club in order to sign for Leeds United, while Adlene Guedioura is expected to go out on loan.