Bryan Robson has warned the Spanish club Tenerife they must produce a £5 million bid this week if they want his midfielder Emerson. That is the price Middlesbrough have put on the 25year-old Brazilian they are reluctant to sell.

Tenerife have been negotiating with the midfielder for two months but have yet to make an offer to Middlesbrough. "We've had no further inquiries for him and we don't want any because he's doing very well for us," said the assistant manager Viv Anderson.

But Robson has a verbal agreement with Emerson that he will be informed of any acceptable bid. "If any club comes up with the right money the final decision will be left to him, I have promised that," said Robson.

Emerson, who cost £4 million from Porto 19 months ago, has already turned down the chance to join two Premiership clubs this season, one of them Everton.

Tenerife and Atletico Madrid both made inquiries but cannot conclude any deal until Spain's transfer "window" opens next Sunday. Tenerife made contact in September and have been talking to Emerson since, without making an offer to Middlesbrough.

Emerson was reported in Spain to have said: "I have reached agreement with Tenerife. All that remains is for them to agree with Middlesbrough." Emerson will be absent over Christmas after a booking at Bury on Saturday triggered a three-match suspension.