MIDDLESBROUGH were last night poised to make a transfer breakthrough by sealing the signing of Doriva.

The Brazilian midfielder was at Boro's Hurworth training base yesterday for talks after a cut-price fee had been agreed with Spanish side Celta Vigo.

Boro manager Steve McClaren was impressed with Doriva during his three-and-a-half-month loan stint last season.

McClaren brought the 30-year-old to Teesside on the recommendation of Juninho, just before the transfer window closed at the end of January. Although Doriva made only five appearances, including three starts, McClaren saw enough to persuade him to pursue a permanent deal. Doriva, out of favour with Celta Vigo, said: "This move is ideal for me. I hope this is also beneficial to Celta.

"I'm conscious that playing for Celta had become very complicated for me, so I think this is the best possible decision.''

Doriva will become McClaren's first recruit of a frustrating summer in which he has so far failed to land any of his major targets.

Midfielders Geremi, David Dunn and Brett Emerton have moved elsewhere, while a projected £2m deal for West Ham winger Trevor Sinclair has encountered a hitch.

But with Everton's interest in Sean Davis having reportedly cooled after Fulham turned down a £3.5m bid rising to £5m in instalments, McClaren could make a fresh approach for the England Under-21 midfielder.

The Boro boss has also been linked with Charlton's Scott Parker, but Davis is the player he covets most.

Meanwhile, Boro target Alan Wright has brought his trial with Rangers to an abrupt end for "personal reasons''.

Ibrox boss Alex McLeish, on tour with his side in Germany, said: "We spoke to his agent and he cited personal reasons for Alan's departure.

"It's highly unlikely the player will return to Germany, but we'll see what happens.''

Wright, released by Aston Villa this summer, pulled out of a trial with Boro this week at the last minute to join the Gers in Germany.

Now it remains to be seen whether McClaren is prepared to rekindle his interest after such a snub.

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