Portuguese authorities have given the go ahead for one site in the town of Praia da Luz to be examined in the continuing investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.
The BBC has reported that permission has been granted for a "field operation" to begin on private land.
It is understood the search could begin in days or weeks. It is thought that Metropolitan Police detectives have discussed a timetable for investigative work that Portuguese police will carry out for the British team.
But the Metropolitan Police has refused to comment. However, Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley has said previously "activity" was expected to begin in Portugal "in the coming weeks".
The development comes after reports suggested search teams were expected to start excavating sites in the Praia da Luz resort where Madeleine - then aged three - went missing on May 3 2007.
The seventh anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance was marked on Saturday last week.
Scotland Yard launched a fresh investigation - codenamed Operation Grange - into Rothley youngster's disappearance last July.
In March, British police then said they were seeking an intruder who sexually abused five girls in Portugal between 2004 and 2006.
Detectives said the attacks happened in holiday villas occupied by UK families in the Algarve.
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