Qatari outfit Al-Saad had an offer for the Brazilian of £7million accepted by the Teessiders several weeks ago, but the former Heerenveen man was not keen on the move.
However, it is understood the deal could be resurrected ahead of next Tuesday's transfer deadline with the bid still on the table.
Alves arrived at the Riverside Stadium for a club record £12.7m in January 2008, but has never hit it off on Teeside.
Allegedly there was also interest from Holland, with Ajax Amsterdam named ... but the side played down the story.
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