Gerhard Struber drops fresh Bristol City transfer hint involving Middlesbrough FC | OneFootball

Neto Borges could see his deal at Ashton Gate become permanent

Bristol City boss Gerhard Struber has hinted that the Robins are exploring the possibility of striking an agreement which would see full-back Neto Borges complete a permanent transfer to Ashton Gate.

The Brazilian moved to the West Country outfit late in Struber's first window in charge as the Reds looked to build on their first play-off finish at Championship level for 17 years last term under former head coach, Liam Manning.

Struber, of course, was previously known to supporters of many second tier clubs having previously overseen matters at the level with Barnsley earlier in the decade, and despite playing a key role in FC Koln's return to the German Bundesliga last term before a rather bizarre dismissal at the RheinnergieSTADION, the Austrian opted to not make sweeping changes across City's squad following his appointment.

In fact, Borges' loan switch from divisional and current promotion and play-off rivals, Middlesbrough, on August 31st, represented one of just six additions made by the Robins' new boss, of which only four came outside their goalkeepers union, with both Radek Vitek and Joe Lumley arriving from Manchester United on loan and Southampton on that particular front.

It has been an intriguing first five months in charge for Struber, as his side have been amongst a mass cluster of sides who have constantly been in and around the play-off picture despite a handful of inconsistent results and availability issues owing to an array of injuries and suspensions.

At present, his team sit eighth in the table, just one point outside the top six with 21 games to go, and they have already been rather active in the first days of the winter transfer window after acquiring Ranel Young and Sam Morsy.

As such, they are hoping to be ahead of the curve once again and strike a permanent deal for Borges which would surely benefit all parties involved.

Gerhard Struber drops transfer hint on potential early permanent Bristol City, Middlesbrough deal for Neto Borges

Borges' current permanent employers, of course, are one of seven sides currently residing above Bristol City in the Championship promotion race. However, it is fair to say that Middlesbrough have faltered in recent weeks, meaning Kim Hellberg's initial 'honeymoon' period at the Riverside Stadium is certainly over.

The Swede is gearing up for his maiden transfer window in English football after joining from Hammarby IF in November, weeks after Rob Edwards controversially exited the Teesside outfit for the Premier League's rock-bottom club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, just months into his tenure with Boro.

Borges' future was, of course, uncertain in Edwards' only transfer window in the North East, falling behind the likes of Newcastle United loanee Matt Targett and Alex Bangura in the pecking order, meaning that after making just 39 competitive appearances for Middlesbrough, he would join Bristol City on a temporary basis with one day of the previous transfer window remaining.

The former Clermont Foot man has been a key figure for Struber thus far, with his versatility allowing the Austrian to utilise him at left-back, left midfield and centre-back amid a well-documented injury crisis.

Last month, the 29-year-old revealed that he would consider a permanent move to Ashton Gate if talks were held over such a predicament taking place. And, a matter of weeks later, his Robins boss has now revealed that there is scope for a permanent deal to happen.

Although it remains to be seen whether said agreement would be struck now or in the summer amid no official obligation or option-to-buy in the initial loan switch, Struber said: “Yes, of course. I think with the promotion that he’s done the last few months - in the training, in the games, in the dressing room - of course we think in this direction.

“He’s been really good. I'm super happy with his performances. Top attitude, top professionalism. I like him very much, and I like to work with him.

“He brings to the dressing room a little bit of Brazilian drive. We have a mix of internationals, and that Brazilian vibe, he gives the boys a good feeling," the City boss added.

Ironically, Middlesbrough have handed their divisional rivals a key advantage in pursuing a potential early deal for the man who joined under Michael Carrick 18 months ago.

Edwards handed Borges 10 minutes' worth of action across three Championship outings in August, and after becoming a regular fixture in BS3 under Struber, the defender cannot play for any other than the two sides until the season officially concludes on June 30th.

Middlesbrough were at risk of seeing the aforementioned Targett's loan spell end due to a defensive injury crisis at St James' Park, which could have seen Borges recalled to add depth to Hellberg's squad. However, talk on this front has somewhat chilled.

As such, it remains to be seen what fee the North East side would command for the Brazilian depending on when, or if, an agreement can be struck, but it is a development which could benefit all involved.