HEAD coach Terry Venables last night confirmed that Middlesbrough are mounting an audacious multi-million pound transfer raid on Barcelona.

Boro are hoping it will be third-time-lucky in their pursuit of Spanish striker Dani.

But they have also enquired about former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit, fellow midfielders Josep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, and left-back Sergi.

Ex-Barca boss Venables has flown to the Catalan capital to front a Boro deputation including manager Bryan Robson and chief executive Keith Lamb.

Robson tried to sign 26-year-old Dani for £10m last summer and was frustrated again earlier this season in a renewed effort to prise him away from the Nou Camp.

But with the former Real Mallorca star facing an uncertain future, Boro have decided to make one final attempt to tempt him to Teesside.

Venables, having led Boro to Premiership safety, has utilised his Barca contacts to set up talks this week with club officials Anton Parera and Juan Lacuera.

Former Spurs striker Steve Archibald, who played for Barca under Venables, is also heavily involved in negotiations in his role as an agent.

"We have come to request some information," Venables told Spanish reporters.

And when asked if that was concerning Dani, he said: "It could be."

Boro's hopes of landing French World Cup-winner Petit seem remote, with Chelsea leading the chase to sign him if he moves on.

But free agent Guardiola and fellow Spanish internationals Luis Enrique and Sergi, look to be more realistic targets.

Newcastle United boss Bobby Robson had Guardiola in his charge during his own spell at the Barca helm, and has already spoken of his interest in the 30-year-old skipper, who has also attracted the attention of Tottenham.

But with doubts over the future of Frenchman Christian Karembeu, who is eyeing a possible £3m summer switch to Paris St. Germain, Boro are anxious to bolster their midfield.

Like Guardiola, Luis Enrique is a member of Barca's old guard and thought to be living on borrowed time.

The 31-year-old has been with the club for five years, but his form has suffered since he was ruled out of Euro 2000 through injury.

Having lost Christian Ziege to Liverpool at the start of the season, Boro are also seeking a left wing-back.

Keith O'Neill and Dean Gordon have been dogged by injuries and 29-year-old Sergi certainly fits the bill to fill the problem spot.

The Barca crowd favourite was expected to stay with the club for the rest of his career.

But with changes in the wind following the departure of coach Llorenc Serra Ferrer, the feeling is Sergi could welcome a move.

l Middlesbrough have confirmed they will release former Republic of Ireland winger Alan Moore when his contract runs out at the end of the season, writes NEIL ANDREWS.

Manager Bryan Robson said: ''Moore has had a lot of fairly serious injuries which have put him back.

"A few clubs have taken him on trial and two Scottish clubs are showing interest.''