Middlesbrough have agreed a deal to bring Juninho back to The Riverside Stadium - and completed an £8.1m move for Italian under-21 striker Massimo Maccarone.
Ince leaves Middlesbrough
Juninho, who came on as a substitute in Brazil's 2-0 win against Germany in the World Cup Final, had been on loan at Flamengo from Atletico Madrid.
He will open talks on personal terms soon, and Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren is confident Juninho can be tempted back to The Riverside Stadium for a third time.
The tiny 27-year-old Brazilian made a major impact a the club after arriving in a £4.75m move from Sao Paolo in November 1995.
Sports Talk: Bright season ahead for Boro?
He moved to Atletico in a £12m deal two years later after Middlesbrough were relegated, but returned on loan in September 1999.
He was not at his best after suffering a leg injury, but has recaptured his form and forced his way into Brazil's World Cup squad.
Maccarone has also completed a protracted switch from Empoli, but it is the Juninho deal that will capture the imagination of the Teesside public.
Ever since we came here I've known about how much he's adored by the Boro fans
Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren
McClaren said: "Ever since we came here I've known about how much he's adored by the Boro fans.
"We've followed his progress with Brazil throughout the year. He's back to full fitness and we decided he would be a tremendous asset to this football club.
"The club went out to Madrid on Tuesday 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.
Juninho in his first spell at Boro
"He's a player who can do a similar job to Benito 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."
McClaren added: "I'm absolutely delighted we have signed Massimo, especially as so many other clubs were interested in signing him. We beat everyone to his signature.
"He is strong and quick, plays off the shoulder of defenders and, most importantly, he's a goalscorer.
"He's a good, all-round centre-forward and hasmthe potential to develop and become an even better player."
Ince leaves Middlesbrough
Juninho, who came on as a substitute in Brazil's 2-0 win against Germany in the World Cup Final, had been on loan at Flamengo from Atletico Madrid.
He will open talks on personal terms soon, and Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren is confident Juninho can be tempted back to The Riverside Stadium for a third time.
The tiny 27-year-old Brazilian made a major impact a the club after arriving in a £4.75m move from Sao Paolo in November 1995.
Sports Talk: Bright season ahead for Boro?
He moved to Atletico in a £12m deal two years later after Middlesbrough were relegated, but returned on loan in September 1999.
He was not at his best after suffering a leg injury, but has recaptured his form and forced his way into Brazil's World Cup squad.
Maccarone has also completed a protracted switch from Empoli, but it is the Juninho deal that will capture the imagination of the Teesside public.
Ever since we came here I've known about how much he's adored by the Boro fans
Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren
McClaren said: "Ever since we came here I've known about how much he's adored by the Boro fans.
"We've followed his progress with Brazil throughout the year. He's back to full fitness and we decided he would be a tremendous asset to this football club.
"The club went out to Madrid on Tuesday 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.
Juninho in his first spell at Boro
"He's a player who can do a similar job to Benito 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."
McClaren added: "I'm absolutely delighted we have signed Massimo, especially as so many other clubs were interested in signing him. We beat everyone to his signature.
"He is strong and quick, plays off the shoulder of defenders and, most importantly, he's a goalscorer.
"He's a good, all-round centre-forward and hasmthe potential to develop and become an even better player."
