Heerenveen coach Gertjan Verbeek has dismissed reports that striker Afonso Alves is moving to England in January.
Heerenveen coach slams reports that fee is agreed
Heerenveen coach Gertjan Verbeek has dismissed reports that striker Afonso Alves is certain to be leaving for England in January.
The Brazilian is regarded as one of the best strikers in Europe after scoring 44 goals in 35 league games for the Dutch club.
Middlesbrough and Manchester City are among the English teams reported to be interested in the striker.
He has recently broken into the Brazilian national side and came on as a substitute in the friendly against England at Wembley this summer.
Approach
Verbeek is keen to deny that Manchester City have made an official approach to the club and insists that no club has spoken to the player.
"The transfer window hasn't even opened yet, but the stream of reports are underway already. It's no fun, but that's how it is," he told Voetbal International.
"Journalists see a couple of scouts in the stands and Alves is sold immediately.
"Some newspapers even wrote that Man City have already paid us the transfer fee, but we must deny those reports.
"Before Heerenveen have an agreement with an interested club, they are not allowed to speak with Alves about a transfer.
"I do think, though, that not everyone keeps to those rules."
