Boro are growing increasingly impatient after making clear to Giroldo that their latest offer, faxed to him last weekend, is their best and final offer.

The Teessiders agreed a £6million fee with Juninho’s current club, Atletico Madrid, early this month, but could not agree personal terms when Giroldo flew to England days afterwards.

However, as he returned suggesting that the World Cup winner would resume his career with Madrid next season, the Teessiders upped their offer and have been waiting for a reply.

The Spaniards’ indications that he does not necessarily have a future at the Vicente Calderon Stadium have sparked more talks between officials and Juninho’s father.

Boro are hopeful of a solution if they can get all parties to negotiate.

While intent on getting their man, they will go to the Continent determined not to be held to ransom.

The Teessiders have already pulled out of a deal to sign South Africa international striker Benni McCarthy this summer after protracted negotiations, and with the transfers closing within weeks, they cannot wait much longer.

To that end, Paris St Germain midfielder Edouard Cisse has had a short trial and is now waiting to hear whether Steve McClaren will pursue his interest.

George Boateng, who played in Aston Villa’s 2-0 InterToto Cup defeat by FC Zurich in Switzerland on Sunday, remains a target, although a lack of progress on that front too has proved frustrating.

McClaren and his players are in Austria, where they will play Italian side Udinese in a pre-season friendly on Thursday.

They flew out having clinched a season-long loan deal with Real Madrid’s Cameroon international Geremi, who will now be the subject of an application for a work permit.

Among the party was 20-year-old defender Stuart Parnaby, who has set his sights on forcing his way into the first-team picture this season, despite tough competition.