Crystal Palace released attacker Bakary Sako last season, with the Mali international not finding himself a club during the summer break.

With the transfer window now closed, a host of free agents are being investigated by teams looking to put the finishing touches to their squad, with Middlesbrough and Tony Pulis allegedly running the eye over the 30-year old.

Pulis had a tough summer, despite his side being top of the early Championship table alongside Leeds United. They were involved in many of the big sagas of the summer, but after capturing Aden Flint and Paddy McNair early, they seemed to struggle somewhat.

Pulis admitted early his squad simply wasn't good enough, despite the permanent window closing, but a decent loan window helped allay those fears. However, they were rocked by collapsed deals and transfer requests heading into the loan window closing.

With a move for the former Premier League man now on the cards, there are umpteen reasons why it makes perfect sense. FLW looks at just three.

After missing out on Albert Adomah on deadline day, there is clearly a desire to add a wide player to the ranks.

Sako is almost a 'free hit' in that respect, the exact type of player they need and currently not tied to a club. He's powerful and aggressive and would certainly bring the sort of qualities they would have seen from Adomah

Whilst they brought in lots of loan players, some with views to a move such as George Saville and some just as loans such as Besic and Hugill, they didn't replace Traore at all.

Pulis loves a fast wide man who can break at pace on the counter attack, something Sako would offer perfectly.

He'd surely be a first team starter for Boro, with the need for his type of player glaringly obvious despite the two windows closing.

If he wants first team football, this is the move that makes sense to him too. With 15 goals and seven assists the last time he played in the Championship for Wolves, he has a real chance with Boro to enjoy one last top-flight foray if he gets his form back.