CELTA VIGO have paved the way for Middlesbrough to land Brazilian Doriva on a permanent basis.

The Spanish side are keen to finalise a deal with the Teessiders for the player who spent five months on loan after arriving in the North-East in January.

Celta want Doriva off their wage bill and are willing to do business if a fee can be agreed.

After a spell on the sidelines, the Brazilian impressed boss Steve McClaren towards the end of the season, and the Teessiders have not disguised their keenness to make the move permanent.

Boro have made an offer and Celta's technical director Felix Canero said: "We have arranged to talk with Middlesbrough about the offer.

"The only news we have had until now has been from Middlesbrough's website."

Meanwhile, Michael Rickettts has stolen a march on his teammates in a bid to be back firing on all cylinders when the new season starts. The 24-year-old is in training a week before his colleagues, and McClaren is impressed with the former Bolton Wanderers striker's attitude.

''I've got nothing but praise for him in showing the right sort of attitude by coming into Rockliffe on his own for the past week when the rest of the squad aren't due to return until next Thursday,'' said McClaren

Ricketts has failed to impress at the Riverside since his January switch and he is determined to be in tip-top condition come August.

"He is working closely with our head of sports science, Chris Barnes, to ensure he reaches the right level of fitness for the start of the new season," McClaren said.

''Once Michael is fully fit, he will be a tremendous asset for this football club.

"He knows he has to be right from the start and he is determined that he gets his preparation spot-on.''