The Qatar transfer deadline closes on September 15, and although the two clubs agreed a fee, Alves could not agree personal terms with Al Sadd to complete the move.
Alves flew out to Doha on Sunday and will remain there for another two or three days while negotiations continue. He will also complete a series of medicals.
He is the highest paid player remaining on Boro’s books and Gareth Southgate wants to get him off the wage bill.
Alves still has three years remaining on his Boro deal and some felt he would jump at the chance to end his Boro hell, but he's holding out for the best deal possible.
Boro are prepared to take a huge loss on the Brazilian, who cost £12.7m when signed from Dutch side Heerenveen in January, 2008.