They may have spent the latter part of the last decade languishing in the nether regions of the second tier of English football, but for eleven consecutive seasons, Middlesbrough were a mainstay in the Premier League. Guided by Steve McClaren, they enjoyed Carling Cup success in 2004, and produced spine-tingling performances during their heroic run to the UEFA Cup final two years later, as they punched well above their weight. With each season, they aimed to build on their success, forever trying to consolidate their position in the top half of the Premier League, enticing the likes of Juninho, Gaizka Mendieta and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to the Riverside Stadium. Never afraid to throw their weight around in the transfer market, the northern club failed to rest on their laurels, and baulked at the prospect of settling for 'reasonable' targets, instead pushing the boat out for Champions League and World Cup winners. However, while the intentions to entice these players were there - acquiring them and selling the Riverside to these renowned internationals was an entirely separate ball game. Take a look at these ten players who Middlesbrough nearly signed - one must admire their ambition with regards to some of them.