AS is so often the case when it comes to transfers, timing was key for Middlesbrough in their successful pursuit of Neto Borges.

And as is so often the case, it was a pursuit dictated by circumstances.

Despite keeping an eye on the situation with Ryan Giles - we'll get to him - strengthening at left-back wasn't necessarily a priority at Rockliffe at the start of the summer. But Alex Bangura's serious injury in pre-season forced Boro's hand.

Not that Boro were starting from scratch.

Having brought in two left-backs last summer, it was an area Boro had done extensive research on and they were able to turn to a list of targets compiled over the course of the last 18 months.

Neto Borges was at the top end of that list of targets 12 months ago but at that stage Boro were unable to strike a deal for the Brazilian. Which came as no surprise really. He'd just played a starring role in helping Clermont to a surprise top half finish in Ligue 1 and with two years left on his contract the French club were in a position of strength.

The circumstances had changed this summer. Clermont had been relegated, Borges had moved into the final year of his deal and Boro sensed a weakness and an opportunity.

Having already done 18 months worth of work scouting the player and learning about his character and personality, they were in a position to strike. Head of recruitment Chris Jones worked hard to build a relationship with the player and Boro's work paid off, Borges snubbing interest from Nantes and Brest - who are in the Champions League this season - after being sold on the switch to the Riverside.

Why Borges?

Well there's a strong belief he suits the system first of all. He's comfortable defending his own goal and attacking the other, can play in a back four or as a wing-back and his numbers in his impressive first season in France back up Boro's confidence that he's a good fit on Teesside. In his first season in France - helping Clermont to a first ever Ligue 1 top half finish - Borges was at the top end of the division's charts in various measurements and at both boxes.

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But Boro were also drawn by intangibles that aren't measured by data. He captained the team last season and Boro were struck by his character and mentality in discussions. He also has a good fitness record and, turning 28 next month, Boro believe his best years could be ahead of him.

“The first part of it was obviously the need for a left-back after Alex’s injury for a long period," said Michael Carrick on Tuesday night after the arrival of Borges had been confirmed.

"It's something that we needed to cover. Neto is someone we’ve been looking at for some time and we’re delighted to have him. He’s an attacking left-back and likes getting up and attacking that side of the pitch. He’s got great experience and is a terrific character too. He’s captained Clermont, so he’s a good type and we’re happy to have him."

As for Giles, well talks with Hull took place earlier this summer but Boro were unable to strike a breakthrough and they quite simply couldn't run the risk of missing out on other potential leading targets, as was the case last summer.

While keeping tabs on his situation, Boro turned their attention away from Giles a month or so ago.

Borges was at the Riverside on Tuesday night and will no doubt have been as surprised by those around him in the stands by the second half collapse. But, like his new head coach, there'll be no rash judgement. He knows the quality of the team he's joined and believes he's destined for the Premier League with his new employers.

Is he destined to go straight into the team? Lukas Engel's nightmare second half at the Riverside on Tuesday underlined why Boro needed to sign a left-back and the Dane's confidence will undoubtedly have taken a major knock. It was against Cardiff last season that Engel put his torrid start behind him and enjoyed a breakthrough. But he's never convinced at left-back and when Borges is up to speed the Brazilian will play.

Whether this weekend's trip to Cardiff will come too soon is not clear.

Carrick said: "We’ve not had chance yet to have a look at him in training. It depends for Saturday in terms of everything getting signed off in time - paperwork and things like that that aren’t a given.

"There are certain procedures and processes we’ve got to tick off just yet if he is to be ready for Saturday, so we’ll have to see how that goes over the next couple of days."