Boro move closer to Alves deal

Middlesbrough are set to clinch the signing of Heerenveen striker Afonso Alves in the next 24 hours, according to chief executive Keith Lamb.

The Brazilian has been linked with a move to the Riverside for a number of weeks but it was held up by a dispute between the player’s club and fellow Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, who had claimed they already had an agreement to the sign the 26-year-old.

“I think there’s every chance we will conclude the Alves deal within the next 24 hours,” said Lamb.

Alves is likely to cost Boro £10m-plus but the transfer is subject to the granting of a work permit.

Defender Jonathan Woodgate is set to leave the Riverside – Newcastle, Tottenham and an as-yet unnamed clubs have agreed a transfer fee – but Lamb stressed winger Stewart Downing would not be sold.

Spurs have been linked with the England international but Boro have no intention of letting the player leave.

“Stewart is staying. He’s under contract and we don’t want him to leave, he’s very much part of our plans for the future,” Lamb said.