Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has revealed an agreement for Heerenveen striker Afonso Alves could be struck today.

Boro boss Southgate admitted on Friday that he had received 'positive vibes' regarding Alves' interest in joining the Premier League club.

Southgate acknowledged, though, that settling on a fee with the prolific hot shot's Dutch club was not proving to be 'straightforward'.

However, speaking after his side's 2-0 FA Cup win at Mansfield Town on Saturday, Southgate suggested progress was being made.

He told the club's official website: "We're still in talks with Heerenveen and we're hoping that within the next 24 hours we can conclude an agreement with them, and then of course there are things like work permits to get through."