According to a statement from SC Heerenveen, Middlesbrough have sealed the transfer of Brazilian striker Afonso Alves from the Dutch club to become their most expensive signing ever.

Heerenveen have released a statement saying that the 27-year-old has completed the transfer, despite no news having come from The Riverside.

The official SC Heerenveen website says that Alves has signed a four-and-a-half year deal with the North East club.

It is expected to cost Middlesbrough over £12million to bring Alves from the Eredivisie side.

Boro’s current transfer record is £8.15million which the Teessiders paid to Empoli for Massimo Maccarone in August 2002.