Middlesbrough's pursuit of Argentine midfielder Martin Payero looks to be a real possibility with the club and the player at an advanced stage of talks. 

The Northern Echo understands Payero wants to make the switch to the North-East while his current club Banfield are interested in reaping the benefits of any potential sell-on fee they may receive if the 22-year-old impresses in England.

Payero is a combatitive midfielder who currently plays in the Primera Division in South America and it's understood Banfield think playing in the Championship would suit his style of play.

Talks have been progressing between all parties and there are some obstacles to overcome. However, it seems like the switch has been given the green light with the player wanting to make the move and Banfield happy to sanction it. 

George Saville leaving the club has left a void in the heart of Boro's midfield that would need filling after the 28-year-old made the switch back to Millwall last week. 

Payero would be a suitable candidate to play in the heart of Boro's midfield if he were to make the switch to Tesside. 

The 22-year-old will head to the Tokyo Olympics with the Argentinian squad with the majority of the squad being made up by under 23 players. It's understood that if a deal were to be completed, he would link up with his new team mates after the Olympics. 

The games are due to end on Sunday 8th August, the same day Boro are due to play their first game of the season away to Fulham for a 1:30pm kick off. 

While Warnock dismissed the possibility of paying the reported £5.9 million fee in an interview with BBC Radio Tees Sport last week, the Boro boss said they club have been exploring options in South America. 

Warnock said: "We have been looking in Argentina and Brazil because Leo (Percovich) is very good at that so we look all over the world really.

"I think in certain countries, the type of player don't get fazed with the English football

"The Championship is a hell of a hard division. I think sometimes it's easier than the Premier League for some players than it is in the Championship.

"We are looking all over the world but put it this way, there's no way we'll be paying £5.9 million for a player so you can put that to bed."