He is expected to tie up his move to the Riverside Stadium over the next 48 hours before being presented at a press conference.

McClaren and Boro chairman Steve Gibson have been holding a dialogue for almost three weeks now since it became clear that Terry Venables would not accept an offer of an extended stay on Teesside.

The Yorkshireman jetted off to the United States having agreed in principle to take over from Bryan Robson, who left the club by mutual consent on Tuesday.

It is understood that it is now simply a matter of completing the fine detail before his appointment is announced.

Gibson is himself due to leave Britain on Sunday for a business and holiday trip and such is his confidence that his search for a new manager has come to an end that he has not delayed his departure.

The capture of McClaren's signature would bring an end to a difficult year at the Riverside during which the club flirted for an extended period with relegation to undermine Robson's position.

McClaren is expected to bring in his own team of coaches, with Aston Villa duo Steve Harrison and Paul Barron and psychologist Bill Beswick tipped to join him.