Source: SKY_Sports
Benfica dismiss Alves reports
Benfica have dismissed speculation linking them with a summer move for Middlesbrough striker Afonso Alves.
The Brazilian has misfired at The Riverside after arriving from Dutch club Heerenveen in a record £12million move in January 2008.
Alves, who has scored only 10 league goals in his time on Teesside, recently expressed an interest in playing for Benfica, sparking rumours a close-season switch could be a possibility.
However, the Portuguese outfit have announced that they have not approached Premier League strugglers Boro regarding the 28-year-old.
"In the face of persistent reports throughout the week, Benfica would like to clarify that it never asked about Afonso Alves," read a statement on the Lisbon-based club's official website.
"Therefore, Benfica expects the focus of recent reports to end."
