Catalan paper Sport said that Middlesbrough, whom Ahmed Hossam 'Mido' and Mohamed Shawky play for, offered just 15 million euros for the prestigious playmaker.

The paper also said that Boro are the only side who officially approached Barca for Ronaldinho, who is reportedly coveted also by Milan and Chelsea.

The Daily Telegraph and Sky Sports confirmed the Spanish report, with the latter describing Middlesbrough's bid as "cheeky."

"It (the offer) seems doomed to failure as even if Barca accepted," Sky Sports commented.

"Ronaldinho is highly unlikely to sacrifice his Barcelona career for a team which now has only memories of European football rather than ambitions of it."

Mido's side are 18th with 11 points from 15 games.

The 27-year-old Brazilian has been repeatedly left out of Barca's starting eleven for the favor of Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry and new star Bojan.

Manager Franck Rijkaard said Ronaldinho will regain his position only when he restores his normal form.