Work Permit Problems to Halt Manchester City Move for Alves

The expected transfer of Afonso Alves from Heerenveen to Manchester City looks to be off after the Premiership side discovered they will have problems obtaining a work permit for the Brazilian striker.

City were thought to have already agreed a deal with Heerenveen to sign Alves in the January transfer window, but these issues have put a halt to the deal, with City coach Tord Grip saying: "The deal is at a standstill".

Alves, 26, has been capped eight times by Brazil.

Manchester City Close to Alves Deal

Manchester City are expected to complete a deal for Heerenveen striker Afonso Alves over the weekend, with Greek striker Georgios Samaras moving in the opposite direction alongside a cash payment of £14million.

Alves, 26, recently scored seven goals in one game against Heracles and has been linked with numerous English and Spanish clubs over the last few months. He has recently broken into the Brazilian national squad and has scored one goal in eight appearances.

If a deal is completed, Alves will add some much needed firepower to the City attack in January and will link up with fellow Brazilians Elano and Geovanni at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Tuesday Transfer Gossip

First off, Juan Riquelme's agent Marcos Franchi has confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur have lodged a bid for the Argentine. Sky Sports report that Spurs have offered £10million for the playmaker, with Franchi describing their offer as the only 'serious negotiations' for the player.

Middlesbrough have made a £6.5million offer for Afonso Alves of Heerenveen, according to The Times.

Finally, it seems the deal to take Cicinho to AS Roma is now off. Marca (Spanish link) report that Real Madrid have ended negotiations after manager Bernd Schuster decided that the Brazilian fullback does now enter into his plans for next season.

Weekend Transfer Gossip

First off, Cicinho is expected to complete his transfer to Roma within the next 48hrs. The Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link) reports that the Italian side will pay Real Madrid 8million Euros for the Brazilian fullback.

Gazzetta (Italian link) also reports that negotiations are continuing between Real Madrid and AC Milan over the transfer of Emerson to the Italian side. It was thought that a one year loan had been agreed, but Madrid now want a permanent transfer and are asking for 11million Euros for the Brazilian midfielder.

Middlesborough look set to fill the gap left by Yakuba by signing Afonso Alves from Heerenveen. Sky Sports report that Boro currently lead the race for the Brazilian's signature, despite interest from sides in Turkey and Germany.

Finally, Manchester United are desperately trying to offload Gabriel Heinze to anyone but Liverpool. The Sunday Express reports that United have offered the defender to Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus and Lyon, but Heinze has refused all of these proposals in favour of a move to Anfield. The Premier League hearing to decide his future will take place tomorrow.