Championship outfit Middlesbrough have reportedly entered the advanced stages of talks to sign Martin Payero from Banfield.
The 22-year-old is highly regarded in Argentina and has been rewarded with a place in the national side's squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics this summer.
Earlier this month it was announced that midfielder George Saville had left the Riverside Stadium to rejoin Millwall, and Payero has emerged as Neil Warnock's target to replace him in the centre of the pitch.
Football Insider reports that Middlesbrough are in advanced talks to bring Payero to England, and they are confident of agreeing a deal following positive discussions.
The report suggests that Payero will be able to offer Warnock's side a creative spark from midfield, and he could arrive for a reduced price given that his contract with Banfield is set to expire next summer.
During his 60 senior appearances for Banfield and a loan spell with Talleres, Payero has managed three goals and 11 assists.
Sammy Wynne
