MIDDLESBORUGH have lost the battle for Brazilian striker Rodrigo Muniz who is set to sign for Sunday's opponents Fulham.

Boro have been in a tug of war with the Cottagers for the 20-year-old with representatives from both clubs holding discussions with Flamego over the last few weeks. 

It's understood Boro were prepared to offer a sizeable sell-on percentage of around 50% if Muniz were to make the move to Teesside. However, it looks like a move to West London is on after Fulham brokered a similar deal with the Brazilian side. It's not known whether he will be available in time for Sunday's meeting. 

The Boro boss Neil Warnock confirmed that Chief Executive Neil Bausor is back in the country following negotiations as the club look to turn their attentions elsewhere. 

The two teams meet each other on Sunday at Craven Cottage and the intrigue in the game will now be heightened following the transfer saga between the two clubs. 

Neil Warnock told the media this morning: "I think we’ve missed out on that but it was worth a shot.

"I think we were in the driving seat for a few days, maybe a couple of weeks but it looks like we’ve missed out on that (Rodrigo Muniz) to Fulham. But you know, hey hoe. That’s how these things go isn’t it?

"I think I said that last year about somebody. It’s their loss because Middlesbrough’s a great place.

"It will be somebody’s lucky day really that I didn’t take them and I get somebody else in. Somebody who wants to come really."

Boro were boosted yesterday with the signing of Martin Payero who has joined the club on a three-year deal but despite Boro seemingly losing out on a striker, Warnock says he rarely loses sleep over missing out on his targets.

Warnock added: "I’m never disappointed really in missing out on players.

"Possibly I was on one last season because I thought we could sign one but other than that, I’ve never been. I always think what will be will be really.

"I mean for example I went after two players at Cardiff. One of them was even here and the kid got injured and never played a game hardly. So you just don’t know what’s around the corner."

Meanwhile, Warnock confirmed that Sol Bamba will remain at the club this season after spending the last few weeks training with the first-team squad.