JUNINHO last night insisted that Middlesbrough target Flavio Conceicao would be a Premiership powerhouse.

Boro were yesterday trying to track down Brazilian Conceicao to discuss personal terms after agreeing a one-year loan deal with Real Madrid. Real sporting director Jorge Valdano confirmed they had reached agreement with Boro and that the deal was "nearly done'', while the midfielder admitted he was aware of their interest.

Boro are aiming to parade the Three Amigos by linking Juninho with fellow countrymen Conceicao and Doriva. And Juninho is certain Conceicao would make a major impression in the English game. "He is a great defensive midfield player, but much more than that,'' said the World Cup winner.

"When he has the ball he is also very good, his passing and touch are excellent, maybe like you would expect from a top Brazilian.

"He is a player who will win the ball and enjoy the physical side of the game, but he gets forward as well to support the frontmen.

"He can do that because he is tremendous physically and can get up and down the field.

"If he comes here he will do well because he can play as well as get the ball - and he is a real athlete.

"He was not in the Real side at the start of last season, but then got a chance and kept his place because he was so good."

Boro manager Steve McClaren and his squad leave tomorrow for a Spanish training camp and the hope is that 29-year-old Conceicao will link up with them next week.

Conceicao's agent, Litos Migue, said: "Now it's up to us to negotiate a contract. Flavio knows everything that is going on and says he does not want to be a problem to Real.'' Conceicao conceded he was drawn to the prospect of playing in the Premiership. "England pleases me,'' he said. "I know there has been contact with Middlesbrough, so we'll see what happens.''

Spanish sources this week claimed that Real might seek as much as £8m for Conceicao, who thought his future at the Bernabeu was assured until the recent appointment of former Manchester United No 2 Carlos Queiroz as coach.

Conceicao revealed: "I thought Real were going to keep me but, unhappily, they told me I will not be continuing here and have to seek a new club.'' Boro yesterday insisted that talks were still "ongoing'' over their move for Doriva.

The midfielder has returned to Teesside following his three-and-a-half-month loan spell last season in an effort to clinch a permanent move from Celta Vigo. Boro have negotiated a cut-price deal for the 30-year-old, who has a year left on his contract with the Spanish side.

l Former Boro target Brett Emerton, who signed for Blackburn last week for £3m, has revealed that Manchester United showed late interest in him. Australia midfielder Emerton, at one stage a target for Newcastle, said he would have been intimidated by taking over the mantle of David Beckham.

"I would not have been able to forget about Beckham,'' he admitted. "Not only did he play in the same position as me, but he now has the same number (23) at Real Madrid that I wore at Feyenoord.

"Many people don't understand why I moved to Blackburn, but they qualified for the UEFA Cup last season.''

l Sheffield Wednesday have handed a trial to former Boro midfielder Robbie Mustoe, who was released by Charlton at the end of last term.

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