MARTIN Payero is set to feature in Argentina's crunch Group C tie in the Olympics tomorrow against Spain where defeat could send them out of the games.
Argentina have to avoid defeat to stand any chance of staying in the tournament in Tokyo. If they were to lose, the Boro bound midfielder could free to complete his move to Teesside.
Payero came on as a substitute in their 2-0 defeat to Australia in the opening game but started in their 1-0 victory over Eygpt.
The 22-year-old has completed a medical for the club ahead of a permanent move from Banfield but manager Neil Warnock says there are a few minor details to overcome before the move can be official.
It's understood the Argentine side fancy Payero's chances of making the most of a move to England and part of the deal is that they could reap up the benefits of any potential sell-on fee.
Payero could become Boro's sixth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Joe Lumley, Lee Peltier, Uche Ikpeazu, Sammy Ameobi and Matt Crooks, who signed a three-year deal last week following his move from Rotherham United.
Boro return to pre-season friendly action this evening following their week down in Cornwall where they travel to the LNER Community Stadium to face National League North side York City.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here