Middlesbrough are set to complete a year-long loan deal for Lazio midfielder Gaizka Mendieta, according to his agent Alberto Toldra.
The Spanish international has fallen out of favour since moving to Rome two years ago.
And Boro look to have beaten off competition from Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao.
"Negotiations are very advanced with Middlesbrough," said Toldra, who admitted the move could eventually become permanent.
"We are talking to Lazio this morning and it could all be resolved in the next few hours."
Lazio president Ugo Longo added: "Middlesbrough have shown more interest in acquiring Gaizka Mendieta and are the prime candidates to get the player.
Charlie's Gonna Get Ya!!!
"Mendieta's future will be resolved by the end of the week."
Mendieta joined Lazio for £28.9m from Valencia following the departure of Juan Sebastian Veron to Manchester United in 2001.
But his form, and Lazio's perilous financial state, have made him expendable.
Mendieta recently accepted a wage cut in exchange for a contract extension at Lazio, but was previously thought to be earning around £45,000-a-week.
Boro boss Steve McClaren has endured a frustrating summer so far, with Celta Vigo midfielder Doriva and Aston Villa defender Alan Wright his only additions so far.
The Spanish international has fallen out of favour since moving to Rome two years ago.
And Boro look to have beaten off competition from Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao.
"Negotiations are very advanced with Middlesbrough," said Toldra, who admitted the move could eventually become permanent.
"We are talking to Lazio this morning and it could all be resolved in the next few hours."
Lazio president Ugo Longo added: "Middlesbrough have shown more interest in acquiring Gaizka Mendieta and are the prime candidates to get the player.
Charlie's Gonna Get Ya!!!
"Mendieta's future will be resolved by the end of the week."
Mendieta joined Lazio for £28.9m from Valencia following the departure of Juan Sebastian Veron to Manchester United in 2001.
But his form, and Lazio's perilous financial state, have made him expendable.
Mendieta recently accepted a wage cut in exchange for a contract extension at Lazio, but was previously thought to be earning around £45,000-a-week.
Boro boss Steve McClaren has endured a frustrating summer so far, with Celta Vigo midfielder Doriva and Aston Villa defender Alan Wright his only additions so far.
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