Benfica denies Afonso Alves interest

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.

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.”