The deal is of course subject to him passing a medical and the successful application of a work permit. The later is not guarenteed since he has not played in 75% of Brazil's matches over the last two years, as stipulated by the DoE.
Boro may well have to take the case to the appeal panel, as they did last time in 1999. Then, the support of Prime Minister Tony Blair, local MP Mo Mowlam and England manager Kevin Keegan helped Boro win their appeal.
The DoE allow `special cases' to be considered, where the opinion of the panel the player is "of the highest calibre and able to contribute significantly to the development of the game at the top level in Britain".
Having satisfied the panel once there shouldn't be any reason why they can't be satified again, particularly after his outstanding success in the World Cup.