Joao Pereira unlikely to return to Sporting

Valencia defender Joao Pereira is unlikely to be making a comeback at Estadio Jose Alvalade, according to O Jogo.

The experienced defender is not even in contention for starting places this season and with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, the full-back will be allowed to leave for a nominal fee in January.

And even if recent reports have suggested he could be returning to Sporting Lisbon, O Jogo has learned that is highly unlikely to happen.

Namely, while the Lions are unable to match the player’s €1 million yearly wage, the reality is Pereira is not interested in returning to Portugal.

The 30-year-old made a name for himself at Estadio Jose Alvalade, having joined from Sporting Braga, before moving to Mestalla in the summer of 2012.

But, despite making 55 La Liga appearances during the first two years with los Che, Pereira fell behind Antonio Barragan in the pecking order following the arrival of compatriot Nuno Espirito Santo in the summer.