JUNINHO was still in limbo last night as the saga over his proposed return to Middlesbrough continued to drag on.

Reports in Spain claimed that the Brazilian midfielder's father and advisor, Osvaldo Giroldo Snr, had flown back to Teesside and agreed a deal with Boro, a week after he made an abortive trip when talks broke down.

But sources in Brazil confirmed that Giroldo was still in Sao Paulo - and that Juninho remained open to offers.

Giroldo also again maintained he has yet to receive a fresh proposal from Boro - even though the Teessiders insist they have offered Juninho new terms and that they can't better the deal.

Boro agreed a fee with Atletico Madrid over a fortnight ago and were confident a deal would be concluded quickly when Giroldo flew to Teesside to open negotiations.

However, Giroldo was adamant last night when he said: "Nobody has been in touch with me since I came back.''

Juninho is due to play for Flamengo next Wednesday and the Brazilian club were yesterday seeking an extension to his loan from Atletico.

Meanwhile, Boro assistant manager Bill Beswick declared: ''The ball is in Juninho's court. He has his offer.

''We feel that we have made him a good offer. In fact, it's the best offer we can possibly make.

''Now it's up to him. Juninho remembers his time here and I'm sure he has very fond memories of Teesside, so I'm very hopeful.

''Obviously we want to get things into position as quickly as we can, but we appreciate that it's an important decision for Juninho.''

Beswick's comments came on the day manager Steve McClaren returned from his summer break and as club officials opened talks with Real Madrid's Cameroon international Geremi about a season-long loan move to the Riverside Stadium.

The 23-year-old Olympic gold medallist and double Champions' League winner and his representatives arrived on Teesside, although there are hurdles to clear - including the matter of a work permit before the deal can through.

''He's here but it's far from a done deal,'' said club spokesman Dave Allan.

However, with Paul Ince and Robbie Mustoe having departed, McClaren needs to move swiftly to rebuild his midfield.

Boro are now heading for a pre-season training camp in Austria, but work will continue behind the scenes to strengthen the squad

''I would have liked to have all our summer targets in place by now but with the World Cup finals, it was never going to be that way,'' admitted Beswick.

''However, we have been making progress and hopefully, maybe by the week after next, we will have a clearer picture.

''But it all boils down to the fact that the players make the decision. You make them your final offer and then wait."

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