Boro fail in Hargreaves bid

England international Owen Hargreaves is understood to have snubbed a move to Middlesbrough.

Manager Steve McClaren has been looking for another key midfielder after recently losing Boudewijn Zenden to Liverpool, the Holland international turning his back on a new deal at the Teesside club to link up with the European Cup holders.

McClaren apparently turned to Bayern Munich star Hargreaves, who he has come to know due to his role as England assistant manager.

It is believed Hargreaves was offered a matching salary to that he earns at Bayern and a guaranteed starting role in the Boro side, something he has been unable to command with the Bundesliga outfit.

McClaren, though, will now have to look elsewhere as Hargreaves’ agent Roman Gill told German newspaper Bild: “There has been an offer, but Owen refused.”

Bayern head coach Felix Magath is delighted 26-times capped Hargreaves is to remain at Bayern, believing his future is better served with the player remaining in Munich.

“Bayern is the better club for his international ambitions than playing in the Premiership,” said Magath.

“If he plays in the Champions League with us, his chances will be much better.”