Middlesbrough have rejected a £300,000 bid from Nottingham Forest for defender Fabio, according to the Northern Echo.
The newspaper claims via their website that Boro chief executive Neil Bausor made the quickfire decision to turn down the six-figure offer last month when Forest approached their Championship rivals about the 27-year-old ex-Manchester United left-back.
In January, Brazilian news outlet Globo Esporte claimed that Boro valued Fabio at £3million, 10 times what Forest were understood to have offered in June.
Good move for Nottingham Forest?
Forest do need extra cover at left-back this summer and it would make sense for the East Midlands club to go after Fabio this summer if they can snap him up on a low-cost deal.
He did not feature much in Tony Pulis’ plans at The Riverside last season, appearing 25 times across all competitions for Boro with most of them coming during Garry Monk’s time in charge.
Aitor Karanka knows Fabio well and his experience of playing in the Premier League and Championship, as well as his two caps for Brazil, would mean he would be a top addition at the City Ground.
It’s not worth reading into the fact that Pulis barely played him last term – he’s under 6ft tall.
This is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
Pulis doesn’t like short defenders and will more than likely want a centre-back to play at full-back next term for Boro, so Fabio will surely be on his way out.
£300,000 is a very low opening offer considering they reportedly wanted £3million for the Brazilian in January.
However the longer the summer goes on, the more likely Boro will lower their expectations and accept a bid.
This is Futbol rating 7/10