Middlesbrough have advised AZ Alkmaar to direct their claim for compensation over their failed bid to land Afonso Alves to Heerenveen.
 
AZ have demanded £5.9million from the Brazilian after missing out on his signature in January despite their claims they had a pre-contract agreement with him.
 
A club spokesman said: "We believe this is a matter between Heerenveen and AZ and that Afonso should not even be involved."