There is now some doubt over Neto Borges' potential permanent move to Bristol City. Both the player and manager Gerhard Struber had previously expressed interest in the transfer. The doubts regarding the permanent purchase of the 29-year-old are due to a lack of future sell-on value. The Robins are trying to sign a left-back in the January transfer window.

Middlesbrough would be open to a permanent move for Neto Borges. The club had no plan to recall the full-back from Ashton Gate this month, even when they had a shortage of defenders before a defensive injury crisis.

Bristol City manager Gerhard Struber has confirmed the club will explore signing Neto Borges permanently from Middlesbrough, praising the 29-year-old's impact since joining on loan at the end of the summer transfer window. Borges has also revealed his desire to make the move permanent. While there is no official purchase option in the loan deal, Struber stated after a recent game against Boro that the club is considering a permanent transfer due to the player's progress. It remains uncertain if Bristol City will attempt a deal in January or wait until the summer. It is understood that Middlesbrough are open to a sale this month to help reduce their squad size and balance their finances. Bristol City are the only club able to sign Borges in the current window, but other teams could become interested in the summer if his form continues, which would allow Boro to sell to the team that makes the highest offer.