Alves may leave Holland for Boro

Middlesbrough have offered Heerenveen nine million euros (£6.1m) for star striker Afonso Alves, according to a report in Holland.

The 26-year-old Brazilian was top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie last season with 34 goals and says he could move to Boro.

"They are seriously interested in me," Alves told De Telegraaf. "Middlesbrough have shown this, too, with their offer."

He added: "For such a big club and for the Premier League, I am always open and the first talks are really hopeful. That will not be the problem."

De Telegraaf claims Heerenveen have already lined up a replacement for Alves should the move go through. The club have been tracking 18-year-old Atletico Mineira striker Paulo Henrique at a youth tournament in Terborg.

Henrique made his top-flight debut in Brazil this season, and has so far scored three goals in 13 Campeonato Brasileiro games.