Bristol City manager Gerhard Struber has hinted that the Robins are looking into a deal that would see full-back Neto Borges join Ashton Gate permanently.

The Brazilian joined the West Country club late in Struber’s first transfer window, as the Reds sought to build on their first Championship play-off finish in 17 years last season under former manager Liam Manning.

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

In fact, Borges’ loan move from divisional and current promotion and play-off rivals Middlesbrough on August 31st was one of only six additions made by the Robins’ new manager, with only four coming from outside their goalkeepers union, with Radek Vitek and Joe Lumley joining on loan from Manchester United and Southampton, respectively.

Struber’s first five months in command have been intriguing, as his side has been among a large group of teams that have consistently been in and around the play-off picture despite a few uneven results and availability concerns due to a variety of injuries and suspensions.

His squad is currently ninth in the table, just one point below the top six with 21 games remaining, and they have already been quite active in the early days of the winter transfer window, recruiting Ranel Young and Sam Morsy.

As a result, they are aiming to be ahead of the curve once more and secure a permanent agreement for Borges, which will undoubtedly benefit everyone concerned.

Gerhard Struber hints at a possible early permanent deal between Bristol City and Middlesbrough for Neto Borges.

Borges’ current permanent employers, of course, are one of seven teams now ahead of Bristol City in the Championship promotion battle. However, Middlesbrough have stumbled in recent weeks, implying that Kim Hellberg’s first ‘honeymoon’ phase at the Riverside Stadium has come to an end.

The Swede is preparing for his first transfer window in English football, having joined from Hammarby IF in November, weeks after Rob Edwards controversially left the Teesside club for the Premier League’s bottom team, Wolverhampton Wanderers, only months into his time with Boro.

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

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

Last month, the 29-year-old said he would consider a permanent move to Ashton Gate if conversations about such a situation were to take place. And, just a few weeks later, his Robins boss has confirmed that a permanent contract is still possible.

Although it is unclear whether such an arrangement will be reached now or in the summer, given that there is no official obligation or option to buy in the first loan transfer, Struber said: “Yes, of course.” I believe that given the elevation he’s received in recent months – in training, games, and in the dressing room – we are thinking in this way.

“He’s been very good. I’m quite pleased with his performances. Top attitude and professionalism. I really like him, and I enjoy working with him.

“He brings some Brazilian drive to the dressing room. We have a mix of internationals, and that Brazilian spirit, he gives the boys a wonderful feeling,” the City manager explained.

Bristol City has a significant edge in the probable permanent transfer of Neto Borges.

Ironically, Middlesbrough have given their divisional opponents a significant edge in chasing an early contract for the player who signed under Michael Carrick 18 months ago.’

Borges received 10 minutes of action from Edwards in three Championship games in August, and after becoming a regular feature in BS3 under Struber, the defender is not permitted to play for any other club until the season ends on June 30th.

Middlesbrough were in risk of losing the aforementioned Targett on loan due to a defensive injury crisis at St James’ Park, which may have resulted in Borges being recalled to offer depth to Hellberg’s squad. However, discussions on this topic have cooled.

As a result, it remains to be seen what cost the North East side will demand for the Brazilian, depending on when and if a deal can be reached, but it is a development that could benefit all parties.