Middlesbrough's potential issue with Martin Payero deal as player prepares for Tokyo Olympics

It’s believed Boro have agreed a deal to sign the 22-year-old midfielder this summer, with a fee to be paid in installments.

Payero is set to travel to Tokyo to represent Argentina at the Olympics later this month, and is then expected to fly to Teesside to complete his medical at Boro after the tournament.

Yet according to Argentine journalist German García Grova, who broke the story about Boro’s interest, there may be some additional hurdles for the Teessiders to overcome.

“The information that we have is there is some trouble to get the work permit to play,” Grova told the Mail.

“He’s now leaving Argentina to play in Tokyo for the Olympic Games, he’s then going to England for the medical test. Then he’s going to know if he’s going to get the permission or not.

"The information that we have is that there is some problem so he will be transferred to Middlesbrough but might carry on playing here in Argentina with Banfield for one season extra.”

Grova also said the player’s agents are working on a deal to try and get Payero a work permit in England.

There was interest in Payero from elsewhere, including from Argentine clubs Boca Juniors and River Plate, yet Banfield are reluctant to sell him to a direct rival.

It’s believed Boro are still in pole position to sign the player, even though other clubs have been tracking him.

Boro boss Neil Warnock said last week the club had been exploring the South American market due to Leo Percovich’s strong contacts.

"We have looked in Argentina, Brazil because Leo is very good at that, he’s got a lot of contacts as well. We look all over the world,” Warnock told BBC Tees Sport.

“I think in certain countries, the type of player doesn't get fazed by the English type of football. The Championship is a hard division really. I think sometimes it’s easier in the Premier League than the Championship.”

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