Napoli need a new goalkeeper after Rafael was ruled out for the season with Tim Wiese the favourite.
Napoli need a new goalkeeper after Rafael was ruled out for the season with Tim Wiese the favourite.
Rafael went off at half-time during Thursday’s 0-0 Europa League draw with Swansea City and tests later showed he had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
This injury effectively puts an end to his season, as the Brazilian won’t be back in action for at least four months, possibly as many as six.
His agent confirmed Rafael will go under the knife in Rome on Monday.
As Pepe Reina has suffered from a series of fitness problems this term, the Partenopei are desperate to get a back-up.
Under Italian rules, outside of the transfer sessions the clubs are only allowed to sign new players if they are out of contract.
This narrows the choices considerably and, according to Sky Sport Italia, the favourite for the Napoli job is former Kaiserslautern and Werder Bremen shot-stopper Wiese.
The 32-year-old has six senior Germany caps to his name and has been without a club since leaving Hoffenheim in January.