Tuesday 2 August 2016 15:27, UK
Brad Guzan could be in line to make his Middlesbrough debut on Wednesday after his work permit moved one step closer to being granted.
The United States international, who impressed at this summer's Copa America Centenario, has been awaiting a work permit since he departed Aston Villa in July.
Meanwhile, a work permit is also expected to be granted to Uruguay's Gaston Ramirez, who is set to return for his second spell at the Riverside club.
The duo could now feature in Middlesbrough's penultimate pre-season friendly against Udinese in Italy on Wednesday afternoon.
"Both players are available for Wednesday's game while the relevant permissions are going through the process of being finalised," read a statement on Middlesbrough's website.
Aitor Karanka's side will be hoping for a positive result in Italy before they return home to face La Liga club Real Sociedad in their final pre-season game on August 6.
Middlesbrough will then kick-off their new Premier League campaign at home to Stoke on August 13.
Guzan is hoping to start that game but he faces stiff competition from Dimi Konstantopoulos, Tomas Mejias and fellow summer arrival Victor Valdes.
"They are great goalkeepers and I'm very fortunate and happy to be part of this group," he said.
"There's a belief and truth in the goalkeepers' union for sure. You want to battle - you need competition for places and that brings the best out of players.
"There's an understanding between goalkeepers that everyone competes day in and day out to try and be selected on a matchday."
