Middlesbrough offered Mendieta to Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao have turned down an approach from agents representing Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta.

AS says representatives made contact with Bilbao directors on Wednesday inviting them to bid for the ex-Barcelona midfielder.

But after a series of meetings, Bilbao's board ruled out moving for the player.

A FIFA agent, representing Middlesbrough, offered Mendieta on knockdown terms, including the player's contract which would have fallen well inside Bilbao's wage structure.

But at 32 and with a poor injury record, Mendieta simply didn't represent good business for Bilbao chiefs.

he's well past it, last good peformance from him was when he ripped Man Utd apart 4-1 last year

i wouldnt take him either

That was traumatic.

I reckon he's still got a few years left in him, the only problem is keeping him fully fit and injury-free.