Gareth Southgate has launched a charm offensive as he paved the way for Abel Xavier's return to Middlesbrough.

The former Portuguese international was at the Riverside Stadium to see the club, who terminated his contract after he failed a drugs test, defeat Chelsea 2-1. Southgate revealed Xavier asked to train with Boro, and has been given permission, which could eventually lead to his return to football.

Southgate said: "The situation is that Abel has approached us with regard to coming and training with us. Obviously, everybody is aware that he had a one-year ban. Middlesbrough as a club and myself as a person do not condone the taking of drugs in sport in any way, so it's a situation we have contemplated long and hard."