MIDDLESBROUGH are reportedly on the hunt for South American talent again with the club linked for a January move for Brazilian right-back Heitor Rodrigues.

According to Brazilian outlet Torcedores, Boro and Fiorentina have been credited with an interest and say a number of European clubs are lining up a move for the Internacional right-back.

The Teessiders have implemented a new recruitment model that has seen the club sign Martin Payero from Argentine side Banfield over the summer and pursue striker Rodrigo Muniz, only for the move to collapse as the player decided to sign for Fulham. Several other South American players were on Boro’s radar over the summer.

The 20-year-old has featured 29 times this season for the Brazilian outlet despite his tender age and is said to be valued at around 5 million euros. While Rodrigues is a right-back on

Internacional are said to be willing to listen to offers from abroad providing that the right valuation can be met. Just like Boro did in the summer, there may well be scope for a move where a small fee could be paid up front with further incentives added as part of the deal including sell-on fees.

Boro are already short of defensive options given their current injury crisis with the likes of Anfernee Djiksteel, Marc Bola, Grant Hall and Dael Fry all currently out of action and unavailable for the next few weeks while Darnell Fischer won’t play a game for the club this season due to a long-term knee injury.

Regarding the search for free agents, Neil Warnock told the media recently that the club had failed for a move to bring in a left-sided player over the international break with Robbie Brady deciding on a move to Bournemouth over Boro. Meanwhile, he also admitted that a move for Neil Taylor was off the cards.

Now that the noises surrounding a move for a defensive free agent seem to be dying down, the club could well be switching their attentions to the January transfer window which opens up in just two months time and Rodrigues potentially being on Boro’s list of options.

Following three successive wins in a row, Neil Warnock and his squad are currently preparing for their next Championship outing where they host Birmingham City at the Riverside Stadium.