Boro's record signing Alves granted work permit

Middlesbrough's record signing Afonso Alves is clear to begin his career at the Riverside after the Brazil striker was granted a visa.

The 27-year-old, who signed a four-and-a-half-year deal on transfer deadline day, cost the Teessiders a reported £12million from Dutch side Heerenveen.

However, he was unable to play for his new club in their match at Newcastle on Sunday because the formalities of his paperwork had not been completed but now a visa has been obtained he is set to link up with the club tomorrow.