Middlesbrough striker Afonso Alves will be quitting the Riverside and head to the Middle East.

According to skysports.com, Boro's record signing has been shortlisted by French and Qatari clubs ever since Boro's relegation.

Al-Ahli are believed to have lodged a bid for Alves and have opened talks with the player's representatives.

Monaco are also thought to be keen, but they cannot offer the same terms as Al-Ahli.

But with interest now mounting, Boro are expecting Alves to be offloaded within the next week - even possibly before Friday when they begin their Championship campaign against Sheffield United.

Boro have already lost Stewart Downing and Mido while Tuncay Sanli, Jeremie Aliadiere and Robert Huth are also been linked with big-money moves away from the club.