Middlesbrough are quietly confident of signing Heerenveen striker Afonso Alves.
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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."
