Middlesbrough are quietly confident of signing Heerenveen striker Afonso Alves.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate said: "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.

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

However Southgate was less optimistic over Lyon striker Fred, adding: "He is one of the players we are looking at.

"Most deals seem very complicated, that seems one of the most complicated, so it is probably unlikely, if I am to be honest."