Fabio Rochemback is set to sign for Sporting Lisbon after being released by Middlesbrough along with fellow midfielder Gaizka Mendieta and striker Lee Dong-Gook.

Brazil international Rochemback is in Portugal to undergo a medical after his three-year stint at the Riverside stadium ended.

The 26-year-old spent two years on loan at Sporting from Barcelona before moving to Teesside in 2005.

He played in the UEFA Cup final in his debut season but, while he eventually made 91 appearances for the club, he was constantly in and out of manager Gareth Southgate's first team.

Rochemback said at Lisbon airport: "I am optimistic. I am happy to be able to return to Lisbon. I was always wanted in Sporting and it feels like home."

The midfielder's parting gesture to the Middlesbrough fans was his spectacular goal from a free-kick in the 8-1 win over Manchester City on the final day of the season, his seventh for the club.

Korean international Lee appeared out of his depth after joining Boro from Pohang Steelers in January 2007, failing to find the net in 23 Premier League appearances.

His only goals for the club came in cup games against Northampton and Mansfield.

Mendieta joined Middlesbrough permanently in 2004 after a moderately successful spell on loan from Lazio.

However, injuries and loss of form have cut short his career, and he has not made a first-team appearance since Boxing Day 2006.

Tony Mabert / Alex Chick / Eurosport