Glasgow Rangers have been linked with a summer move for the Portuguese veteran.
According to a recent report from the Daily Record, Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha is interested in signing two new centre-backs this summer in the form of Rashid Sumaila and Bruno Alves, and the latter in particular could have a big impact on a current Gers prospect.
David Bates has been one of those to benefit from Caixinha’s appointment, starting four of Rangers’ last five league matches and seemingly jumping ahead of Rob Kiernan in the Ibrox pecking order.
With Clint Hill not getting any younger – and coming to the end of his current deal – there could be a new-look back line at Rangers next season, but while Sumaila and Alves would no doubt be the first-choice pairing if they arrived, Bates could also benefit from the latter’s considerable experience.
The alleged Rangers target has featured 85 times for Portugal and previously racked up 171 appearances for FC Porto.
At 35 his career is winding down but, as Hill has proved, veterans can still excel in Scotland.
Caixinha will be banking on Alves following suit if he does bring him to Ibrox, and the experienced defender could be the perfect teacher for Bates.
The 20-year-old has looked shaky at times this season, which is not surprising given his inexperience, but Alves could be the master to his apprentice.
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