Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb has revealed Tottenham made a late bid for Croatian striker Alen Boksic just before the transfer window closed.
After missing out to the Teessiders in the chase for Bolton striker Michael Ricketts, Spurs contacted Middlesbrough just hours before Friday night's deadline.
"Spurs asked if we would be interested in transferring Boksic," said Lamb.
"I replied it would not be possible bearing in mind the short time remaining before the deadline closed, while Boksic was in Croatia and he was injured."
Boro are currently in discussions with the 33-year-old over his future - but maintain he has not quit the club.
Boksic's contract with Boro had been due to expire at the end of the season anyway, but it had been suggested he has already agreed to an early end to the deal.
Lamb stressed the player was still registered with Middlesbrough, but when asked whether Boksic would be making any more appearances for the club, he confessed: "Probably not". Boksic joined Boro for £2m from Lazio in August 2000 and was an instant hit on Teesside.
The striker has netted just two goals in 19 appearances this season.
* MICHAEL Ricketts insists he is now with a "far bigger club" following his £2.5m move from Bolton to Middlesbrough.
He said the transfer had come at an important stage of his career.
Ricketts added: "I would not say it was difficult to motivate myself at Bolton. But I need to improve my game and, hopefully, I will at Middlesbrough."
