Everton midfielder Muhamed Besic is set to join Middlesbrough on a permanent deal worth around £6m, Sky Sports News understands.
The 25-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international spent the second half of last season on loan at Boro and Tony Pulis wants him back.
Besic joined Everton from Hungarian side Ferencvaros in 2014 but has failed to secure a regular first-team place under successive managers at Goodison Park.
Boro are also in talks with Everton over a move for Yannick Bolasie. The 29-year-old has been told he is surplus to requirements at Goodison Park.
In addition, Boro have made an increased bid for QPR midfielder Luke Freeman.
Middlesbrough have money to spend after selling Patrick Bamford to Leeds (£10m), Ben Gibson to Burnley (£15m) and Adama Traore to Wolves (£18m) in the past 10 days.