Boro agree terms for Juninho
The Samba star has spent the last two seasons on loan in his native Brazil in order to win a place in their World Cup squad, but is now ready to quit La Liga for a return to England.
He succeeded in winning a place on the plane to Japan and Korea and played a supporting role in helping them to their fifth world crown.
The 29-year-old has one-year left on his current deal at Atletico, but he has always stated that his long term ambition was to return to The Premiership.
"Ever since we came here I've known about how much he's adored by the Boro fans," said McClaren.
"We've followed his progress with Brazil throughout the year. He's back to full fitness and we decided he would be a tremendous assett to this football club.
"Keith [Lamb, chief executive] went out yesterday to Madrid and spoken to the club and we've agreed a fee.
"All it needs now it for us to speak to the player and see if we can come to an agreement which would bring him back to Middlesbrough.
"I know what kind of player he is and we've watched him very closely.
"He's a player who can do a similar job to Carbone for us last year. I'm excited and hopefully it will come off.
"We're hoping Juninho wants to come here and take his career forward with us.
"We've had positive vibes from all parties and now it's up to the player."
He was linked with moves to Manchester City, Fulham and Birmingham, as agents worked hard on his behalf to get him to England, however, Middlesbrough were always his first choice and he is likely to be delighted that McClaren has made his move.
Juninho will now travel to the North East to agree personal terms and seemingly should not encounter any problems with the club he has had such a great relationship with in the past.
Juninho first moved to Middlesbrough in 1995 from Sao Paolo when Bryan Robson pounced to sign him and he produced two fantastic seasons for Boro.
The Teessiders were then relegated in 1997 and allowed him to join Atletico in order for him to secure a place in Brazil's '98 World Cup squad.
However, injuries and loss of form meant he did not go to France and he was again left to play for a side who were relegated from the top-flight.
In the 1999/2000 season, Juninho returned to The Riverside in a loan deal and played another 28 times for Boro, before then embarking on two years back in his homeland with spells at Vasco Da Gama and Flamengo.
News of Juninho's return is sure to meet with the fans' approval and rumours of a 'breathtaking' signing appear to have been fulfilled with the Brazilian's imminent arrival on Teesside.
