Wolverhampton Wanderers are preparing a fresh bid for 30-year-old Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patricio, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claimed in their live transfer blog on Tuesday [12:24pm] that, although Wolves initial £16million bid was rejected by Sporting CP last month, the Midlands outfit are preparing to make a second attempt to sign the Euro 2016 winner.
The Portugal international, who has played at Sporting CP since 2000 when he joined the academy setup, is reported to have fallen out with the club amidst the failed first transfer bid and now wants to quit the Lisbon club.
Patricio was one of the players subject to violent abuse from fans, who stormed the training ground when Sporting did not qualify for next years Champions League, which in turn only added fuel to the goalie’s desire to leave.
Should any deal be completed, Patricio would compete with current number one goalie John Ruddy for the top spot between the sticks.
Good move for Wolves?
Rui Patricio has a lot of club level experience, both domestically and European. Aged at only 30, the keeper still has plenty of time on his side, and will continue to grow should he join the Premier League.
The international pedigree of Patricio, and Portuguese’s link with Jorge Mendes, makes this an amicable move for both club and player, as they could both benefit from one another.
He would definitely be an upgrade on the current goalkeeper options at Molineux having showed at Sporting and with Portugal that he is a top-class shot-stopper.
It may mean that John Ruddy will have to leave the club to make room for Patricio, unless the former Norwich man is happy to drop down the pecking order at Molineux.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
Patricio wants out, that much is clear. The agent has a great relationship with the club, who have a lot of ambitions which could suit Patricio’s agenda, and the money is there to be able to afford him.
Although the initial bid of £16m was rejected, it should not take much more to secure the services of Portugal’s number one keeper.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10