Source: SKY_Sports
Benfica eye Boro raid
Benfica are ready to mount a bid for Middlesbrough striker Afonso Alves, according to reports in Portugal.
It is believed Benfica have made Alves one of their top targets for the summer and have already held talks with his representatives.
Skysports.com understands that one of Alves' agents Roberto Tiburcio arrived in Portugal earlier this week to talk with Benfica officials and he is now on his way to England.
Alves is Boro's record signing at over £12million but he has failed to make the expected impact and it appears likely he could be on the move this summer.
Boro's precarious position in the Premier League means any deals will be put on hold until the summer - but if they were to go down there is little doubt the Brazilian international would head a sizeable exodus from The Riverside.
Alves has over three years left on his current deal, but Boro are unlikely to stand in his way - but much will depend on how much of their record fee they could recoup and given the current economic climate, they may have to take a very big hit indeed.
Benfica sources have confirmed their interest, but they also stressed they would not pay over the odds for Alves - who has scored ten times in 27 Premier League starts for Boro.
