FABIO Rochemback's Middlesbrough future has against been thrown into doubt after the player's agent refused to rule out a summer return to Portugal, or even a switch to Spain.

The Brazilian midfielder is believed to be unsettled in England and with his contract expiring in the summer, Boro have so far remained tight-lipped on whether they will take up an extra twelve-month option.

He has been linked with a return to Sporting Lisbon and his agent, Horacio Gagglioli, is refusing to discount any possibility.

"It is certain that I have spoken with the directors of Sporting but the subject is not closed," said Gagglioli.

"Also interested in Fabio are other clubs from Spain and it is still necessary to know the offer from Boro.

"The player finishes his deal in June but the club has an option for a new deal in May."

Boro manager Gareth Southgate, meanwhile, has admitted the switching of this weekend's game against Chelsea to Sunday is a bonus for the Teessiders.

With the likes of Mark Schwarzer playing in China and Mohamed Shawky in Egypt this week, Southgate is grateful for the extra day's preparation.

Southgate said: "I'm glad the Chelsea game is on Sunday now. We've one (player) in China, one in Cairo, amongst others, but it's good for the players and the club.

"You've got to balance that against the pride individual players have in playing for their countries and for some of them they're leading into the European Championships."