MIDO is expected to complete a return to his homeland at the start of next week, but despite reports in Egypt suggesting a loan move to Zamalek has been finalised, Middlesbrough have yet to agree the terms of his departure.

A statement posted on Zamalek’s club website yesterday afternoon claimed the Egyptian club had agreed to pay £4m to secure Mido on a one-year loan deal, and also agreed to a clause that would lead to the transfer becoming permanent for a further £1m next summer.

The striker is desperate to return to Egypt, and Boro boss Gareth Southgate has already confirmed he is planning for life without the forward, who only returned to pre-season training at the start of last week.

But Boro officials are yet to reach an agreement with Zamalek, and talk of a loan deal being concluded is premature.

Nevertheless, with further talks planned for the weekend, a transfer should be finalised at the start of next week. Once the move is confirmed, Southgate is expected to make moves to sign a replacement, with Derby striker Rob Hulse expected to top his wanted list.

Meanwhile, Boro youngsters Jonathan Franks and Nathan Porritt are being lined up for a place in the 18-man squad for Friday’s Championship opener with Sheffield United.

Neither Franks nor Porritt has made a senior appearance for the Teessiders, but the 19- year-old duo have been prominent figures in this summer’s pre-season programme.

The pair are expected to be involved again when Boro travel to Millwall this afternoon for their final friendly outing.

And with the likes of Didier Digard, Mohamed Shawky, Marvin Emnes and Gary O’Neil all battling to be fit for Friday’s televised opener with the Blades, both Franks and Porritt are in contention for a place in the squad.

“Those two in particular have made an impact,” said Boro boss Gareth Southgate.

“Sometimes, you don’t know about players until you put them into the first-team squad. It either brings more out of them, or they crumble and can’t deal with it.

“I’ve been delighted with Nathan and Jonathan’s response, and there will definitely be chances for some of the younger players this season.

“Jonathan has a fantastic work ethic and always tends to catch the eye because he’s very sharp and busy.

“Nathan has great quality, but we have to develop his game awareness and defensive responsibilities. He’s probably managed without them a bit at junior level but, in the first team, they are things you have to have.

“The only way to get that is by being in and around the first team, though, and that’s where Jonathan and Nathan have established themselves during pre-season.”

Boro’s first-team squad is likely to be a blend of youth and experience throughout the campaign.

The likes of Rhys Williams, Seb Hines and Josh Walker will be pushing for a place in the starting line-up, with the likes of Danny Coyne, O’Neil and Julio Arca offering experience from the opposite end of the age spectrum.

David Wheater has a foot in both camps, as he boasts more than 110 senior appearances even though he will not turn 23 until next February.

The defender also boasts international experience having been called into Fabio Capello’s senior squad for last summer’s trip to Trinidad & Tobago and last autumn’s World Cup qualifier in Belarus, and while he will no longer be playing in the Premier League, he does not feel Boro’s Championship status will affect his England chances.

“I’m only 22,” said Wheater.

“And if you look at the defenders in the England side, I probably wouldn’t get into the starting XI ahead of the likes of (John) Terry, who is a world-class player, and (Rio) Ferdinand, who I think is the best defender in the world.

“But I think I can still catch the manager’s attention by showing my quality and playing well in the Championship.

In the past, players have been picked for their country even when they are in the Championship.”