Martin Payero discusses Middlesbrough future amid reports of a return to Argentina

Martin Payero says he has received no communication with regards to leaving Middlesbrough this summer, amid reports that he is close to returning to Argentina. Reports from his home country have suggested he could be close to returning to Argentina after struggling in his first season at Boro.

The midfielder struggled to adapt to English football and culture in his first season at the Boro, with injuries limiting his impact on the pitch. Reports in Argentina have suggested both Boca Juniors and River Plate are interested having both initially rivalled Boro to his signing last summer, and one report this weekend even suggested a loan deal with an option to buy had even been agreed with Boca.

And while Boro are aware of interest in Payero from clubs in South America, it's not yet believed to have manifested into any official offers, with Payero confirming himself that he is yet to hold any talks with other clubs over a Boro exit. In an interview with IP Sports in his homeland, the midfielder doesn't completely rule out a move, but insists for now his focus is on Boro after he returned to Teesside a fortnight ago for the start of pre-season.

"No, the truth is that they haven’t talked to me, no, they haven’t communicated," Payero told IP Sports after being asked if a return to Argentina is close. "But the interest is clearly latent. I am aware of that, but for that I also speak with my representative. I say that if you transmit to me, it is calm and it is at Boro.

"I have no control over what happens so today I can only think of one other thing, which is pre-season and being well here because it is where I am today and Boro is my club. Then if the offers come and it will be something really formal, and I have it on the