Juninho and Boateng heading to Boro

MIDDLESBROUGH had a double reason to celebrate yesterday with the news World Cup winner Juninho had been granted a work permit on appeal and George Boateng revealed he had agreed personal terms with the Riverside club.

The Brazilian's initial application was rejected by the Department of Employment on the grounds he had not played in enough of his country's competitive internationals over the last two years.

However, a delegation from Middlesbrough, led by manager Steve McClaren and chief executive Keith Lamb, attended a hearing in Sheffield yesterday, which accepted their argument that his proven quality was sufficient grounds for appeal and found in the club's favour.

Then, later in the day, Dutch international Boateng announced he had concluded his protracted negotiations with Boro to seal his switch from Premiership rivals Aston Villa.

The addition of the midfield duo continues McClaren's busy summer, having already strengthened his club with the signings of Franck Queudrue, £8.15m striker Massimo Maccarone and Geremi, the Cameroon international who joined on a season's loan from Real Madrid.

Boateng's move from Villa is likely to be for around £5m and will probably be finalised on Monday.

''I am delighted to finally conclude everything,'' said the Dutchman.

''I'd like to thank everyone at Villa for what they have done for me, but now I'm looking forward to playing for Middlesbrough.''

Boro announced they had clinched a deal to bring 29-year-old Juninho, who will cost in excess of £5m from Atletico Madrid, back to England for his third spell on Teesside.

And the mercurial midfielder admitted he was looking forward to coming 'home'.

Juninho said: ''I am very happy. I think that the club is capable now of doing better than it ever has before.

''I believe in Middlesbrough, it's like I am coming home.''

Juninho first arrived in England from Sao Paulo for £4.75m in November 1995 and set the Premier League alight with his electric runs and close control.

Although Boro reached both the FA Cup and League Cup finals in 1997, the little Brazilian could not prevent the club from being relegated to Division One.

He was subsequently sold to Atletico Madrid for £12m, but returned to Middlesbrough on loan in September 1999 after failing to hold down a regular first-team place following a serious injury.

Juninho returned to Spain after Boro could not come to an agreement over a permanent switch.

He was then farmed out to Brazilian sides Flamengo and Vasco da Gama before catching the eye at this summer's World Cup finals in Japan and Korea, re-igniting Boro's interest.

Juninho played alongside the likes of Fabrizio Ravanelli and Emerson during his last spells on Teesside.

And while he says that he is not so familiar with the current squad, he maintains the fire is still there to succeed.

''Everyone says that Steve McClaren is a winner - that is very important for me,'' he said.

''McClaren spoke to me and my father during the World Cup and again last week.

''He told me how ambitious he is. He wants to win and knows how to win. That is one of the main reasons why I want to come back to Middlesbrough.

''At the World Cup, he said he wanted me to come to Middlesbrough and I said I would.

''I don't know a lot about Middlesbrough now. English football is not shown on Brazilian TV very much - but I know that they have a very good team, much better than when I was there.

''I don't know too much about Massimo Maccarone, but I have heard a lot of good things about him, that he is a very talented player, so I look forward to playing with him and the other guys very much. I can't wait for the season to begin,'' he said.