Porto had late bid rejected for Rafa Silva

Portuguese giants FC Porto attempted to recruit Sporting Braga hotshot Rafa Silva in the final hours of the winter transfer window, according to A Bola.

Having sold Gianelli Imbula to Stoke City for €24 million, the Dragons decided to launch an assault on their long-term target, offering no less than €16 million for his services.

However, Sporting Braga referred their league rivals to the player’s €20 million release clause and the two clubs ultimately failed to reach an agreement despite Porto offering Silvestre Varela and a couple of other players in an attempt to lower the asking price.

Rafa Silva, 22, has caught the eye of quite a few top clubs with his performances for Braga, and he even represented Portugal at the 2014 World Cup.

And while he has failed to secure a big club move midway through the season, chances are he will be leaving current employers for greener pastures in the summer.