Middlesbrough's bid for Afonso Alves has taken a fresh twist after the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) ruled in favour of AZ Alkmaar rather than his current club Heerenveen.

However, the case is not yet settled and the player could yet see his move to Boro finalised - something which he wants.

AZ agreed a deal with Heerenveen last month and the Brazilian international signed a contract with the club.

However, Heerenveen did not finalise the transfer by sanctioning the deal at their end and have since agreed a deal with Middlesbrough - whom Alves wants to join.

But AZ insisted they had already signed the player and an arbitration panel has now ruled that their contract with Alves is binding - although it was also confirmed that the player's current deal with Heerenveen also remains legal, meaning he has two contracts.

Judge Vermeulen, chairman of the panel, confirmed their decision was that Alves had 'two contracts'.

"Provisionally we believe that Alves has a signed a valid contract with AZ," said Vermeulen.

"But one thing is certain; he had not resigned and was still under contract at Heerenveen. It seems he has two contracts."

Vermeulen will now further consider the case but he admits it is complicated by the fact that Alves wants to play for Middlesbrough and not AZ.

"It is normal that a player who signs a contract at a new club wants to be with them, but Afonso Alves does not want to go to AZ."

The case is continuing as the KNVB still have to ultimately decide on Alves' future, with Middlesbrough still hoping he will be unveiled as their record signing after they agreed a four-and-half-year deal with the player.

A final decision is expected next Wednesday.

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