Juninho to make English return

Brazilian FIFA World Cup winner Juninho is set to join Middlesbrough FC for the third time after agreeing personal terms with the English FA Premiership club.

'Four-year contract'
Middlesbrough, who are thought to be paying Club Atlético de Madrid €9.45m for the diminutive midfield player, issued a statement today saying: "The club has agreed a four-year contract, subject to the player passing a medical and obtaining a work permit."

First offer rejected
The transfer appeared to be in doubt earlier this month when the club and Juninho could not agree on personal terms. Juninho's father and agent, Oswaldo Giroldo, rejected the club's first offer but Middlesbrough returned with an improved deal. He is expected to join his new team-mates on 5 August and could make his debut in a pre-season friendly against Deportivo Alavés on 7 August.

World Cup appearances
The 29-year-old featured in five of Brazil's matches at the World Cup last month, including a late substitute appearance in the 2-0 final victory against Germany. He first joined Middlesbrough in 1995 and immediately became a fans' favourite before leaving for Atlético two years later. Juninho returned on loan to the Teesside club in September 1999, before joining Brazilian teams CR Vasco da Gama and Clube de Regatas Flamengo on loan.