MARTIN Payero's Middlesbrough exit has been confirmed, with the midfielder completing a permanent move to Udinese.

Payero has signed a four-year deal, with the Serie A club having the option of an extra 12 months.

The Argentinian midfielder leaves Boro having made just 16 appearances since joining the club from Banfield two summers ago.

Payero arrived to much fanfare having been courted by Boca Juniors, River Plate and big European clubs such as Inter Milan, but he struggled to settle at Boro.

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The early stages of his time on Teesside were disrupted by injury and Payero failed to convince three bosses that he deserved a run in the side.

After replacing Neil Warnock, Chris Wilder opted to allow Payero to leave on loan, with Payero heading back to his homeland to join Boca. The Argentinian club had the option to make the switch permanent this summer but opted against keeping the 24-year-old.

Michael Carrick had a good look at Payero, who featured during pre-season games, but he again failed to impress. He didn't feature in any of the first four Championship games before his deadline day exit was confirmed.