Benfica dismiss Afonso links.

Byline: By ERIC PAYLOR

BENFICA have distanced themselves from reports linking them with a summer swoop for Afonso Alves.

Boro's Brazilian striker was quoted in Portuguese papers as expressing an interest in playing for Benfica when the reports surfaced, after struggling to find consistent form in the Premier League.

However Benfica officials have denied having had any contact with Boro or with Alves' agent.

A club statement said: "In the face of persistent reports throughout the week, Benfica would like to clarify that it never asked about Afonso Alves.

"Therefore, Benfica expects the focus of recent reports to end."

Alves is currently out of the Boro starting line-up, though he is still the team's top scorer this season with seven goals.

However his last-gasp missed chance against Portsmouth on Saturday summed up his personal frustrations, and those of the fans.

Boro chief executive Keith Lamb has refuted reports which suggested that Gareth Southgate's tenure as Boro boss might be coming to an end in the near future.

The stories circulated yesterday when there was a website story which alleged that betting had been suspended on Southgate becoming the next Premier League manager to get the sack.

There may have been peculiar betting patterns to spark this decision, but Lamb has insisted that Southgate is getting on with the job of trying to keep Boro in the top flight.

Boro skipper Emanuel Pogatetz continues to have treatment on a knee niggle and remains a doubt for Saturday's trip to Stoke City.

Gary O'Neil and Justin Hoyte are unlikely to be ready to return.