Sporting CP line up Rui Patricio replacement

Portuguese daily newspaper A Bola understands that Sporting CP are hot on the trail of Sampdoria goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano.

The Lions have decided to cash in on highly rated Rui Patricio, who is reportedly nearing a switch to Napoli, and they see the Italian as a very good potential replacement.

Viviano, 32, has enjoyed several very good campaign with Sampdoria, where he managed to kick-start his career after a disappointing spell at Arsenal.

Having recently signed a new deal until June 2021 at Marassi, the former Italy international is valued at €3 million by his current employers.

Since joining in a €2.3 million transfer from Palermo, Vivano has amassed a total of 109 Serie A appearances for Sampdoria.