Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is refusing to celebrate his swoop for Juninho until the Brazilian star finalises the deal.
Having passed a medical and given Celtic officials plenty of encouragement that he will be joining the club this week, the South American has returned to Middlesbrough to tie up a few loose ends.
The possible capture will please the Glasgow club's supporters who are still waiting for a big name since Henrik Larsson left at the end of last season.
O'Neill said: "Middlesbrough obviously gave us permission to speak to him and he came up the other day.
"Things went pretty well and he passed a medical with flying colours.
"But it's not done and dusted yet so I suppose until everything is done and absolutely signed then one never knows.
Juninho's agent had said only a couple of weeks ago that the diminutive playmaker was happy to fight for his place at the Riverside, but all that seems to have changed now.
O'Neill also said that his transfer dealings would not end with Juninho, and that he is still on the lookout to strengthen his squad.
Filed by Séamus Leonard
