Exclusive: Boca Juniors plot cunning transfer plan for Middlesbrough midfielder who could be Italy bound

Atalanta are ready to make a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Martin Payero, who is currently on loan back in his native Argentina, TEAMtalk understands.

The 24-year-old has helped Boca Juniors claim the domestic title during his temporary spell at the club, impressing with his performances throughout the season.

Boca have an option to buy Payero worth around £5million and Boro cannot stop them from activating it.

We understand that Boca are now ready to sign Payero and then sell him back to a European club for potentially three times that amount.

A host of clubs around Europe are keen including Monaco, Sevilla and Union Berlin, but Atalanta are believed to be heading the chase for Payero – who is being tipped for a call-up to the full Argentina squad.

The move would be a remarkable rise for Payero, who was not getting game time for Boro before he left – although he has never featured for Michael Carrick, and is now unlikely to.

Boro are back in action on Monday when they host Coventry City in the final game of the regular EFL season.

The two clubs are currently due to meet in the play-offs, given their current standings.

However, Blackburn, West Brom and Sunderland are all pushing to break into the top six, while Millwall could even leapfrog the Sky Blues and book a clash with Boro in the semi-finals.

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