Middlesbrough looking sharp in Portugal as Neil Bausor watches on - tour diary day five

There was an executive face at Middlesbrough training on Thursday. Watching on from a distance was Boro chief executive Neil Bausor, who made the trip out to Portugal midway through the week to have closer ties with manager Chris Wilder as transfer movement finally gets going again.

After that initial excitement of the early days of the window that saw Boro land three really impressive signings, both incomings and outgoings came to a halt, in matching with what has so far been a slow market. As Boro fans understandably began growing concerned with the season approaching, Wilder insisted a lot of hard work was going into it and called for patience.

Bausor watched on away from the rest of the Boro contingent in the Portuguese heat with Airpods in his ears throughout. Clearly, if there was a phone call to be taken, he was going to be on it. With Kieran Scott back on Teesside covering that base, there finally appears to be movement in the market again too.

Middlesbrough close in on fourth summer signing as Zack Steffen's Man City loan nears completion

As Martin Payero completed his loan move to Boca Juniors, Boro had positive news on an incoming front as Zack Steffen's work permit issues were finally sorted and he was due to arrive on Teesside to have his medical within the next few days. All being well, we might get a first glimpse of the USA international goalkeeper at Morecambe next week.

Further boosting Boro, for the first time in weeks reports seem to strongly suggest that Spurs are closing in on agreeing a deal to sign Djed Spence. Antonio Conte would not be drawn on the speculation after his side's friendly win during their South Korean tour on Thursday evening, but reports have become strong on that front. It