MIDDLESBROUGH remain on course to complete a deal for Martin Payero while other options are being explored in South America.

The 22-year-old has completed his medical at the club with only financial details to overcome and has now linked up with the Argentina squad for the Olympics. 

However, with Neil Warnock's squad looking thin, Boro are now exploring the possibility of bolstering their squad further with chairman Steve Gibson keen on venturing further for South American talent. 

They've have recently been linked with a move for Flamengo striker Rodrigo Muniz with a deal some way of completion.

However, it's now understood that Boro are monitoring three more players in South America with the potential to explore the market further following a deal being struck for Payero.

The unnamed trio may well include 20-year-old Rodrigo Muniz but it's understood they are all being looked at by the club. 

Neil Warnock told the media in midweek: "Steve (Gibson), for all we haven’t got a lot of money, he always wants to gamble with the Argentinians and the Brazilians.

"I don’t want more than two. We are looking at another couple of Brazilians and Argentinains, but whether we get them or not.

"They are difficult to get over the line but Neil Bausor is dealing with all that. It’s only the financial details with abroad."

Speaking on how the Payero deal, the Boro boss said: "The recruitment guys gave it to us and then Leo looked into it.

"He’s a young, good age going to the Olympics so it may not be a bad gamble."

Boro have so far brought in Joe Lumley, Lee Peliter, Sammy Ameobi and Uche Ikpeazu. 

Ikpeazu started and scored in Wednesday night's 3-0 friendly win over Bishop Auckland. 

Neil Warnock and his squad are heading down to the Cornwall for a week long training camp where they'll face Saltash United, Tavistock AFC and Plymouth Argyle.