Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Rui Patricio is closing in on a move to Jose Mourinho’s Roma, with Calciomercato reporting the Premier League veteran could agree a deal before Euro 2020 begins.
As new Wolves manager Bruno Lage enters Molineux for the first time, the former Benfica boss should probably keep the door propped open for his £100,000-a-week shot-stopper.
Portugal international Patricio wants to leave after four years in the Black Country, telling the club he has no intention of extending a contract that’s due to expire in summer 2022.
The 33-year-old is expected to join a Roma side that recently appointed Jose Mourinho as Paulo Fonseca’s replacement.
The one-time Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea coach has made an experienced number one his top priority at the Stadio Olimpico and Patricio, a man with 93 Portuguese caps on his CV, would come cheaper than Spurs ace Hugo Lloris.
Will Wolves replace Patricio with Jose Sa?
According to Calciomercato, Patricio could agree a move to the Italian capital as early as this week, with Roma looking to speed things up before the European Championships kick off on Friday night.
The I’s will be dotted and the T’s crossed by the time Portugal’s tournament comes to an end.
That may be sooner than you’d think, given the reigning champions are embroiled in a ‘group of death’ alongside Germany and France.
Meanwhile, Wolves have allegedly identified Olympiacos’ £13 million-rated Jose Sa – another Iberian goalkeeper – as Patricio’s successor, via Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Patricio’s departure isn’t the end of Bruno Lage’s problems, however.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s successor may also have to find a way to cope without Ruben Neves as he gets his feet under the desk at Molineux.
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