RECORD signing Afonso Alves is expected to return to full training with the rest of the Boro squad next Monday after recovering from a broken foot.

The Brazilian international was injured in the 3-1 defeat against Newcastle at St James' Park on May 11 and missed the last two games of the season.

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However, he is now well on the road to full recovery and has been back running for some time.

Manager Gareth Southgate expects him to be fine to return to full training with his team-mates on July 6.

Alves, 28, has scored 13 goals in 47 league and cup appearances since joining Boro from Heerenveen on January 31 2008.

Winger Stewart Downing visits a specialist on London on Tuesday hoping to be given the green light to step up is rehab programme after an operation on a foot injury sustained in the final home game against Aston Villa.

England defender David Wheater is expected to be back in action in time for Boro's season curtain raiser against Sheffield United after undergoing an end-of-season knee operation.

The Redcar-born star is the nearest to full fitness of three Boro centre-backs who had surgery over the summer. Wheater reported back to Rockliffe Park a week early as he continues his rehabilitation.

Fellow centre-backs Chris Riggott and Emanuel Pogatetz will also work with the club's fitness staff rather than the full squad on their return to the training ground.

Riggott underwent surgery on a long-term ankle problem, while Pogatetz was another who underwent a knee op.