Watford’s links with Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patricio have been somewhat curious. The Euro 2016 winner’s agent has denied the claims and possibility of a transfer but it didn’t look to have an ounce of truth to begin with.
Several Premier League clubs have been scouting Sporting regularly this year. Like all Portuguese clubs, Sporting release a list of those attending games and it can be a giveaway as to interest, it’s quite telling that Watford have not been there.
Much more realistic for Watford could be a move for Tottenham’s Michel Vorm. February reports from Spain detailed that Mauricio Pochettino has decided to make Pau Lopez’s loan move permanent, and whilst there were claims this week of Spurs trying to talk Espanyol down on price, a deal looks the most likely outcome.
That would see young Pau become Tottenham’s second choice goalkeeper, and edge Vorm toward the exit. The Dutchman signed a renewal with Tottenham in December, but it was only for another season after this one and would allow Spurs to get a fee for the player.
Vorm has motivation to become a first choice goalkeeper somewhere, with World Cup 2018 on the horizon. Netherlands manager Danny Blind seems pretty much clueless as to who his No.1 should be and several men have the chance of securing that berth. Playing Premier League football every week would give Vorm a distinct advantage.
Watford attempted to sign Tim Krul during the January transfer window, even though they clearly had doubts about his fitness. Vorm could present a better option, and the goalkeeper wouldn’t have to uproot his family.
At 33 years of age, Tottenham’s Vorm is a few years younger than Heurelho Gomes, and he’d likely need some assurance over being first choice or in a fair battle for the position.
