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It was suggested at the time that the move had broken down because of technical reasons with the deal; also not helped by an injury to Lisandro Lopez.

Boro have followed him for the last five years and he has risen from a Benfica B team player to become a regular in the Portuguese top-flight. He was a shining light when Sweden’s Under-21s won the European Championships 14 months ago.

Lindelof has a release clause in his contract of £20.5m, which is more of a protection figure rather than the asking price. His performances in the Champions League for the Portuguese giants, however, have seen his valuation soar.

Boro have started claimed six points from an opening seven fixtures back in the top-flight, but Karanka accepts there is room for improvement at both ends of the pitch.

He hopes to have captain Grant Leadbitter available before the new year. Leadbitter has not kicked a ball this season because hernia surgery after the promotion celebrations had died down took longer than expected to heal.

Having missed out on pre-season the former Ipswich midfielder faces a busy schedule to build up fitness before he can play in the Premier League.

Karanka said: “Grant's improving a lot. Maybe in two or three weeks or maybe a month (from being fit). At first we were expecting Christmas so we are positive now. But these kinds of injuries, you never know.”