DYLAN Bahamboula will spend a week in total with Middlesbrough, Latics' head coach Keith Curle has confirmed.

The Oldham Times revealed two days ago that the skilful midfielder was being looked at by the Championship side.

And Curle revealed he had agreed a week-long trial with Boro boss Neil Warnock, following enquiries about the Congo international

"I think everybody will know my connection with Neil Warnock," said Curle, who worked under Warnock at Crystal Palace and QPR.

"Neil's had conversations with people that represent Dylan, singing his praises, saying what he's about.

"I spoke to Neil, Ronnie Jepson and Kevin Blackwell - all of his backroom staff - and they've asked that, in my opinion, can he play Championship football?

"I've said 'you can have a look for a week - make your own decision, make your mind up'.

"In my opinion Dylan's got abilities that will be suited at a higher level."

And Curle says trials for contracted players are not uncommon.

"In today's market, for a lot of clubs now it's a case of try before you buy," he said.

"We're exactly the same. We've got a couple of players with a couple of loan options potentially coming in and what we've said for the other football club is 'can we have a look at him for a week before we make a decision?' Because what we don't want to do is waste anybody's time.

"If there are players that I've seen enough of or not quite enough of, sometimes being able to have a look at somebody can save the club a lot of money."