Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has agreed personal terms with Middlesbrough and is undergoing a medical on Tuesday.
The Nigeria international held talks with Boro manager Tony Pulis at the Middlesbrough training ground last week and is now close to signing a short-term deal with the Championship club.
Mikel, who has been playing for Chinese side Tianjin TEDA, is keen to end his two-year spell in China to return to the UK, where his wife and children have stayed after his move abroad.
The 31-year-old spent 11 years at Chelsea, most notably winning one Champions League title, two Premier League titles, the Europa League, three FA Cups and the League Cup.
Tony Pulis remains determined to add another attacker to his squad after landing Huddersfield winger Rajiv van La Parra on loan earlier this month.
Stewart Downing remains in a peculiar situation at the club due to a clause in his contract that will see him get a one-year extension if he starts another game.
