Boro have switched their sights to a string of other transfer targets after being turned down by Spanish star Juanfran.
The Real Betis man had agreed a move but got cold feet at fears he may be homesick in England.
The Gazette understands Boro chiefs are disappointed but philosophical. They are already working on alternatives and are determined to bring in several new faces quickly as the squad reassembles at Rockliffe.
Boro agreed a structured deal with Betis for the versatile ex-Spain Under-21 player that would have entailed a €600,000 initial fee but could have cost up to €2m with add-ons.
And the winger-turned-right-back, who worked with Aitor Karanka at Real Madrid as a youngster, agreed personal terms in talks with Boro chiefs last week - then asked for time to mull over the move.
He vowed to give Karanka his decision before the squad returned to Rockliffe for pre-season training today. That decision was a reluctant ‘no.’
The Gazette understands the player was impressed with Karanka’s project but did not believe he could leave Spain.
Betis have had other interest in Juanfran with Italian Serie A strugglers Genoa making an inquiry and Chievo and two Spanish clubs also keen.
They have agreed a £1.5m deal to flog Marvin Emnes to Swansea and with City’s chairman back behind his desk that may progress quickly now.
Swansea signed French striker Bafetimbi Gomis on a free from Lyon over the weekend but are preparing to sell Michu to Napoli and facing a battle to keep Wilfried Bony.
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