Boro tempt Juninho with improved offer

Middlesbrough have made Juninho an improved offer as they aim to lure the Brazilian World Cup winner to the English premier league club for a third time.

The deal looked to be off last week when Juninho's father, Oswaldo Giroldo, indicated they had failed to agree personal terms.

But Middlesbrough spokesman Dave Allan said on Monday: "We can confirm that we have made a revised offer to Juninho and negotiations are ongoing.

"We are hopeful that both parties can eventually agree a deal to bring Juninho back to Middlesbrough."

Giroldo, who also acts as the midfielder's agent, was quoted as saying last week: "We have had friendly discussions but we will not be making a deal."

Boro officials have already agreed an undisclosed fee with Juninho's club, Atletico Madrid.

Manager Steve McClaren, who signed Italian striker Massimo Maccarone for 8.15 million pounds ($12.74 million) earlier this month, is eager for Juninho to become part of his rebuilding plans at the Riverside stadium.

The 29-year-old playmaker first joined Middlesbrough in 1995 and immediately became a fans' favourite before leaving for Atletico two years later.

He returned on loan to the Teesside club in September 1999, before joining Brazilian sides Vasco da Gama and Flamengo on loan.

Juninho featured in five of Brazil's matches at the World Cup in South Korea and Japan last month, including a late substitute appearance in the 2-0 victory over Germany in the final.