MIDDLESBROUGH last night rushed through a deal for Fabio Rochemback to seal the South American's complicated transfer from Barcelona.

After initial fears that the Brazilian had decided against a move to the Riverside Stadium, Rochemback arrived on Teesside yesterday afternoon to discuss terms and undergo a medical.

The 24-year-old became manager Steve McClaren's biggest signing on deadline day after negotiations broke down with Rangers' Peter Lovenkrands.

Portuguese defender Abel Xavier also underwent a medical yesterday and signed a one-year deal after impressing during a short trial with the club, while Boro have eased their wage bill by off-loading Michael Reiziger and Joseph Job.

But it is the acquisition of Rochemback, thought to be on a five-year deal, that McClaren will be most excited about having tracked the player since being turned down by Ghanaian Stephen Appiah this summer.

Rochemback joined Sporting Lisbon from Barcelona on a three-season loan in 2003 and a clause in the deal stipulated that should the Portuguese club break the loan they must pay Barca £1m. Boro have agreed to pay that amount to Sporting, with Barca benefiting as they no longer have to pay 65 per cent of the player's £1.4m salary.

It is an agreement that has been hailed by Sporting president Dias da Cunhe as a ''beautiful financial deal" for his club.

It was Boro's interest in his Sporting team-mate Rudolph Douala that initially led them to Rochemback, having been alerted to the ability of both players when they played against the Teessiders in the UEFA Cup last season.

Rochemback is seen by McClaren as the man to create things from midfield alongside George Boateng, while the search for competition for Stewart Downing, who needs an operation on a knee injury, on the left flank has proved less fruitful. Douala's determination to stay in Portugal meant Boro were forced to look elsewhere but a late, late move for Lovenkrands proved unsuccessful.

The Danish winger, who was sent back to Rangers last month after McClaren decided not to pursue a deal, had been approached again earlier this week. But Lovenkrands' agent Ivan Benes said: "We had discussions with Middlesbrough. We were offered terms but they were not realistic and were rejected."

Cameroon striker Job's wish to leave Boro was granted when he incredibly turned his back on Europe to sign a lucrative one-year loan deal with Saudi Arabia's Al-Ittahad Club.

The 27-year-old has failed to command a regular place in McClaren's starting line-up and has been deemed surplus to requirements since the summer arrival of Aiyegbeni Yakubu and the return of Massimo Maccarone.

McClaren said: "We wish Joseph luck in Saudi. He is keen to secure a place in Cameroon's squad as they bid to qualify for next summer's World Cup finals. Understandably, he needs first-team football, which was something I couldn't guarantee him here."

Job had looked like joining either West Ham or Crystal Palace but has opted to move to the Middle East instead.

Meanwhile, full-back Michael Reiziger has claimed his departure to PSV Eindhoven was best for all concerned. He struggled in his first season at Boro after moving from Barcelona and McClaren has been hoping to move the Dutchman on before deadline day.

Reiziger said: "When PSV came in for me I quickly made an agreement. I am very happy with this step. Middlesbrough cooperated in the transfer and this is a fresh start."

* Everton clinched the permanent signing of Inter Milan winger Andy van der Meyde as the Dutch winger, formerly of Ajax, joined on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee. Van der Meyde came through a medical despite arriving in England with a groin strain which could delay his debut.

Blackburn swooped for Rangers' Georgian international Zurab Khizanishvili with the 23-year-old defender arriving on an initial season-long loan with the option to make the move permanent. Rovers also signed David Bentley from Arsenal on loan until the end of the season.

Read more about Middlesbrough here.