LATICS star Dylan Bahamboula is training with Middlesbrough ahead of a potential move to the Riverside Stadium.

A deal is not finalised but the Championship club are looking to strengthen in midfield with the Congo international having made a real impact in his first season in English football.

The 26-year-old’s stunning goals and silky skills made him a real favourite among Latics fans despite all his appearances being behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He scored seven goals in 43 appearances in all having previously played in his native France as well as Romania, Algeria and Bulgaria.

Bahamboula had the option in his contract triggered at the end of the season amid potential interest in his services, his Oldham deal expiring next summer.

Boro are managed by ex-Latics boss Neil Warnock who has a long-standing relationship with Oldham head coach Keith Curle. 

Curle, determined to tighten up Latics’ leaky defence next season, said of Bahamboula not long after his arrival in March: “I’m no different to anyone that’s seen Dylan play, sometimes you marvel and you appreciate the naturally talented, gifted player that he is.

“I think when I first came in the important thing is trying to put a structure in place that benefits the team and then within that you identify individual roles for players that they have to fulfil out of possession.

“In possession, Dylan... excellent. Out of possession he needs to improve.

“We need to create a structure whereby we get the best out of Dylan as an individual within a team framework.”