Boro coach Steve Agnew: "The fact that Afonso has travelled all the way to the Middle East shows he'll be keen to do a deal and I'm sure the clubs are.
"As we speak we're still negotiating as far as I'm aware, so watch this space.
"The gaffer did chase one or two players and it didn't quite happen.
"Rob Hulse is a tried and tested Championship player, he can score goals at this level.
"He played 50-odd games for Derby last season and he would have fitted in nicely to everything we do at Middlesbrough Football Club but it wasn't to be, these things happen in football and we have to move on.
"Everything seemed to be moving along nicely and for whatever reason, it didn't quite happen.
"History shows a lot of the successful teams in the Championship have used the loans system very well,
"There is a possibility the loan system can be used, I'm sure that's something that will interest the manager."