Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg delivers fresh Neto Borges transfer update

Neto Borges spent last season on loan at Bristol City, but the Robins decided against making his move permanent. Despite that, it had been widely expected that the 29-year-old would leave Middlesbrough at some point during the summer.

That remains a possibility, particularly with Borges now entering the final year of his contract at the Riverside. Should a suitable offer arrive before the transfer window closes, Middlesbrough would have to seriously consider it, given this could be their final opportunity to generate a fee for the Brazilian.

However, Borges’ versatility could yet persuade the club to keep him.

The defender demonstrated his value in Middlesbrough’s Carabao Cup first-round victory over Wrexham on Friday, starting at centre-back alongside Luke Ayling. His inclusion allowed Adilson Malanda to move into midfield as Aidan Morris was unavailable through injury.

With Alex Bangura expected to leave before the end of the month after being left without a squad number, Borges could also provide valuable cover and competition for first-choice left-back Max Arfsten.

That is a situation that Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg would be more than happy to see continue.

“I think Neto did brilliantly [against Wrexham],” Hellberg said. “He’s one of those people I really like working with – he gives everything and is a brilliant team-mate.

“He can play in different roles, and in every training session, he is there to do his best. He can run, he has a good left foot and I think [against Wrexham] he also showed the quality he has in playing centre-back.

“It is not easy against that type of good side in a back four. It was a little bit fluid, going to a five at moments, but I think he did very well.

“I like working with him and I am happy that he is here.”

Hansen’s Middlesbrough future looks less certain

Sontje Hansen, meanwhile, appears much more likely to depart before the end of the month after being left out of the squad for the Wrexham cup victory.

The Curacao international remains involved in training, but Hellberg explained that his delayed return from the World Cup has left him short of match fitness.

“He’s here and he’s training,” Hellberg said.

“He came back late because of the World Cup, which means that he is a little bit behind with his physics and fitness.

“That’s why, together, we made that decision to try to almost play 90 minutes in the Under-21s, instead of maybe playing five here [as a substitute against Wrexham].”

While Borges has given Hellberg another reason to consider keeping him around, Hansen’s situation suggests Middlesbrough could still have further changes to make before the transfer window closes.