Alves closer to Boro move

Afonso Alves appears to be close to signing for Middlesbrough subject to a medical after agreeing personal terms with the club. The Heerenveen striker is set to agree an £8 million deal to join Boro.

Alves had appeared to have agreed a move to join AZ Alkmaar, but the player decided against a switch to the Dutch club.

Regarding the transfer to Boro, Alves has moved a stepped closer to a permanent switch, pleasing the Middlesbrough boss.

"As far as I am aware, there has been a ruling in Holland that he is not an Alkmaar player signed and sealed, so he is a player who is available on the transfer market," said Southgate.

"He is one of a few we are making enquiries about and if we make progress, we will let everybody know."