Middlesbrough have failed in a bid to sign Manchester City misfit Roque Santa Cruz.

The 30-year-old is currently in limbo after being left out of City's pre-season tour to Asia and continues to look for a new club.

Boro are understood to have offered a deal to Santa Cruz, which was swiftly rejected.

The Paraguayan hitman has been linked with a number of clubs in the North of England including Wigan Athletic, Bolton Wanderers and former club Blackburn Rovers.

Santa Cruz spent last season on loan in La Liga with Real Betis, scoring seven goals.