Middlesbrough, Ituano announce link

Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray has confirmed that the Championship club have reached an agreement to link up with Brazilian outfit Ituano.

Former Teesside midfielder Juninho is president of the Brazilian club, with Mowbray revealing his delight at joining forces with the former Brazilian international's team.

"Because of the connection with Juninho it's something we think could be a benefit, as we don't have an existing presence in South America and have no scouts there at all," Mowbray told the club's official website.

"If there are players there with European passports who meet our budget and criteria, why would we not utilise that connection with Juninho's club? Hopefully it will bear fruit over the years."

As part of the agreement, Marcos Rhoden and Rafael Peireira have joined Middlesbrough on loan.