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Abel Xavier is close to agreeing a contract with Middlesbrough after serving a 12-month drugs ban.
He was suspended after testing positive for a performance-enhancing steroid dianabol after Boro's Uefa Cup trip to Xanthi in September 2005.
But the 33-year-old Portugal defender has played two reserve games and is now set to get a permanent contract.
Boro manager Gareth Southgate said: "He's getting stronger and I think it's a position where we need some cover."
Southgate added: "His experience and enthusiasm have been a real plus around the place. He's popular with the guys here and he's got a point to prove."
Xavier, who joined Middlesbrough from AS Roma in August last year, became the first Premier League player to be banned for doping when he failed a drugs test.
Originally banned for 18 months, his suspension was cut to 12 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in July.
Born in Mozambique, Xavier has played 20 times for Portugal and had spells with Benfica, Bari, PSV Eindhoven, Everton and Liverpool.
He was suspended after testing positive for a performance-enhancing steroid dianabol after Boro's Uefa Cup trip to Xanthi in September 2005.
But the 33-year-old Portugal defender has played two reserve games and is now set to get a permanent contract.
Boro manager Gareth Southgate said: "He's getting stronger and I think it's a position where we need some cover."
Southgate added: "His experience and enthusiasm have been a real plus around the place. He's popular with the guys here and he's got a point to prove."
Xavier, who joined Middlesbrough from AS Roma in August last year, became the first Premier League player to be banned for doping when he failed a drugs test.
Originally banned for 18 months, his suspension was cut to 12 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in July.
Born in Mozambique, Xavier has played 20 times for Portugal and had spells with Benfica, Bari, PSV Eindhoven, Everton and Liverpool.
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