Boro’s Subotic deal collapses amid fitness fears

Matt Stead

Neven Subotic’s move from Borussia Dortmund to Middlesbrough has reportedly collapsed amid suggestions his medical raised concerns.

According to the The Northern Echoa deal for the 27-year-old has broken down and is unlikely to be revived.

Subotic was due to join up with Aitor Karanka’s squad in Marbella this week after a deal thought to be worth around £8million was struck between Boro and Dortmund last week.

It is unclear why the move has fallen through but the Echo has repeated suggestions that complications may have arisen from the defender’s medical on Teesside.

Subotic made only five Bundesliga starts for Dortmund last season and missed the final seven games due to thrombosis in his arm.

The defender was banned from taking part in contact activities but he was allowed to train on his own to maintain his fitness, vowing at the time to return stronger than ever.

He said at the time: “I can stay fit with individual training and when I have recuperated again I will be in better physical condition than ever before.”

Liverpool, Arsenal, Everton and Sunderland had all been linked with a move for Subotic before the Serbia defender opted to accept Middlesbrough’s offer.