MICHAEL Carrick says Middlesbrough and Boca Juniors are in talks to determine what the future holds for Martin Payero, with the midfielder approaching the last few months of his loan spell in Argentina.

Carrick hasn't worked with Payero, with the midfielder having left for Boca on loan before the current head coach's appointment in October.

Payero joined Boca midway through the 2022 season and helped them win the Argentine Primera División title, but they've endured a tough start to the current campaign - which started in February - and are currently languishing in 18th after 13 games.

Boro's midfielder has only started three games this season. Boca have the option of making the deal permanent when the loan expires in the summer, with both clubs and the player's representatives in talks as to what happens next.

Carrick said: "He's still on loan at this moment in time until the summer. That's another decision and talks are ongoing as to what the next step is.

"He is due to come back in the summer, at this moment in time I don't have much more of an update."

Payero's loan is due to run until the middle of July and at this stage the prospect of the midfielder forcing his way back into Boro's first team plans looks unlikely. If Boca opted against making the deal permanent, he'd be given time off at the end of the loan, so wouldn't return to Boro until deep in pre-season.

That would mean he'd already be playing catch-up and has not yet experienced Carrick's system and the way the head coach wants his players to play.

Boro's midfield is as strong now as it's ever been since Payero joined the club. Jonny Howson recently signed a new deal, Hayden Hackney has enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough and Dan Barlaser arrived in January. That's before any further arrivals in the summer window, if that was an area Boro chose to strengthen.

Carrick said: "We're trying to work out what's best for all of us. I haven't really got an update on this stage on that but as soon as we do we'll let you know."