Southgate 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."

I feel the signing of Alves would be a terrific one for Boro. Alves is a quality goal striker that scores bag fulls of goals. Alves is 26-years old and has scored more goals than he has played for the Dutch club and I'm sure Boro fans will be hoping he can produce the same at the Riverside.