Wolverhampton Wanderers face shock competition from Barcelona in pursuit of World Cup bound goalkeeper Rui Patricio, according to reports in the Spanish media.

As per Mundo Deportivo, reported via Sport Witness, Barcelona are considering Patricio as a possible alternative transfer option this summer if Jasper Cillessen leaves the club.

Cillessen is attracting interest from a number of clubs this summer after failing to establish himself as Barcelona's number one choice and Patricio is one of a few options that the Spanish giants are considering to replace him.

The Portugal international, who is heading to the World Cup this summer, could cancel his Sporting Lisbon contract after a dispute with the club about him being allowed to leave.

This has alerted Barca, who might swoop for him as a cheap option to replace Dutchman Cillessen.

There are other shock contenders being lined up by the La Liga champions, including Brighton and Hove Albion's Tim Krul and Everton stopper Joel Robles.

Wolves want to sign Patricio to compete with Championship golden glove winner John Ruddy ahead of their Premier League campaign and they are attracted by the 30-year-old's experience.

Patricio has only ever played for Sporting CP, playing nearly 500 senior games for the Portuguese heavyweights, and he also has 68 international caps.

Portugal will be hoping to launch an assault on the World Cup this summer, after their shock Euro 2016 win, and they could be worth a bet to win the tournament.

The Portuguese are 25/1 with bookmakers William Hill to win the World Cup tournament which offers great value, if you fancy them to reach the final you can get odds of 12/1 with the same bookie.

The international side have an array of top quality stars and they have the ability and experience to bring home the coveted trophy, and placing a bet using the best world cup betting apps would be a wise move.

The Verdict

This will come as bad news for Wolves, who are an attractive prospect for Patricio but cannot compete with Barcelona financially or in terms of stature.

But the question of whether the Portuguese 'keeper would prefer to sit on the bench for Barca or be a regular in the Premier League for Wolves could be the factor which aids Nuno Espirito Santo's pursuit of his top target.

Either way, Wolves need to wrap this deal up quickly before either Barcelona pounce or his price goes up and he gains more attention due to his World Cup displays.

Wolves fans - Can you beat Barca to Patricio? Let us know below...