Report: Middlesbrough make offer for Hellas Verona goalkeeper Rafael

Middlesbrough have made an offer for Hellas Verona goalkeeper Rafael, according to reports. The website of respected Sky Sport Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims that the Football League Championship outfit have tabled a bid of around €1 million, as they look to secure the veteran stopper. Middlesbrough’s original target was Napoli’s Argentina international Mariano […]
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sambafoot_admin
2015-08-09 16:15:00

Middlesbrough have made an offer for Hellas Verona goalkeeper Rafael, according to reports.

The website of respected Sky Sport Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims that the Football League Championship outfit have tabled a bid of around €1 million, as they look to secure the veteran stopper.

Middlesbrough’s original target was Napoli’s Argentina international Mariano Andújar, but frustrations over an inability to conclude a deal has forced them to look elsewhere, with Rafael now seemingly their preferred target.

The 33 year-old will not be easy to prize away from Hellas, due to his long standing affinity with the club.

He first joined them in 2007 from São Bento and was part of a side that won promotion from the Lega Pro Division One to Serie B and then eventually up to Serie A.

During his time at Hellas, Rafael has featured in 222 matches, keeping 84 clean sheets and despite coming under pressure for his place in the first-team last season, he still managed 22 appearances in all competitions and is contracted until June 2017.

If he was to move on and make the switch to Middlesbrough, then Hellas would only have the experienced Ferdinando Coppola and youngster Pierluigi Gollini as alternatives to replace him.