Middlesbrough are interested in signing Crystal Palace's Pape Souare, according to Football Insider.

Since recovering from a car crash in September 2016 which threatened to end his career Souare has struggled for game time, playing just eight times across the last two seasons.

The 29-year-old's contract has expired but it is believed Palace are still in talks with him over a potential new deal, but new Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate will hope he can lure him to the north-east.

Boro would be able to offer him game time, which is what he needs after such a lengthy spell out, particularly as he is coming towards the latter part of his career.

The Senegal international proved his quality in his first two years at Selhurst Park, and if he can get get and playing regularly again next year then he could prove to be a great addition.

Woodgate is yet to make a signing as Boro boss, and left-back is an area which needs strengthening, as only George Friend of the current squad can play there.

The Verdict

This would be a bit of a gamble from Middlesbrough, but one that is worth taking. The biggest risk is Souare's ability to play a full season in an intense league for a team that will battle for promotion.

He has to be up to the pace from the beginning and he has to show signs of the player he previously was. A positive for Boro is that he won't cost anything in terms of a transfer fee, but his wages should be significant given he was picking up a Premier League wage at Palace.