BENFICA want to rescue Middlesbrough flop Afonso Alves from the Riverside. The Brazilian striker has struggled to hold down a starting spot under Gareth Southgate following his �12million move from Heerenveen in January 2008.

BENFICA want to rescue Middlesbrough flop Afonso Alves from the Riverside.

The Brazilian striker has struggled to hold down a starting spot under Gareth Southgate following his �12million move from Heerenveen in January 2008.

Boro would want to recoup at least �10m for the 28-year-old, who has bagged just seven goals this term.

But the Portuguese giants are hoping to get him on the cheap in a bid to take him off Southgate's hands for good by weighing in with a summer swoop.