Mido fails to return to Middlesbrough training

Mido has been linked with an exit from the club (GETTY IMAGES)

Middlesbrough striker Afonso Alves has returned to training.

The 28-year-old is understood to have missed the first two days of pre-season with the bulk of Gareth Southgate's squad beginning their preparations for the new campaign on Monday.

However, Press Association Sport understands Alves was back on Teesside as speculation over his future continues.

Egypt international Mido, however, is still thought to be conspicuous by his absence.

Turkey international Tuncay Sanli, goalkeeper Brad Jones and England Under-21s duo Adam Johnson and Andrew Taylor have been given extended breaks after turning out for their countries since the end of last season.

Tuncay has been linked with a big-money move away from the Riverside Stadium this summer in the wake of relegation, while £6million man Mido appears to have no place in Southgate's plans and Alves is yet to justify his club-record £12.7million fee.