Alves flew to Doha on Monday for talks over a move to Al Saad, as the club’s transfer deadline does not fall for another two weeks.
“The fact that Afonso has travelled all the way to the Middle East shows he’ll be keen to do a deal and I’m sure the clubs are,” Boro coach Steve Agnew said.
“As we speak we’re still negotiating as far as I’m aware, so watch this space.”
