Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio has no plans to join Watford, his agent has confirmed to the Watford Observer.

Reports appeared last week suggesting the Sporting Lisbon stopper, who has been with the club since he was 12, was ready to up sticks and look for a new challenge - but it will not be at Vicarage Road.

He told Portuguese newspaper A Bola during the week that he was not sure whether his career would end at Sporting - alerting numerous clubs across Europe to his potential ability.

Patricio is represented by ProEleven Sports Agency, based in his home country, where he is rated as among one of the ‘five best goalkeepers in the world’.

They told the Watford Observer: “We have not heard anything from Watford and there has been no indication of them being interested in Rui.

“He could move to one of the best clubs in Europe and has broken all records at Sporting, as well as playing in the Portugal national team. He has no plans to go to Watford at this time.”

Hornets head coach Walter Mazzarri is openly looking for a new goalkeeper to challenge 36-year-old Heurelho Gomes, and replace back-up Costel Pantilimon, who has never convinced him of his ability.

He came close to bringing in Tim Krul on loan in January from Newcastle, but the Dutch goalkeeper instead moved to AZ Alkmaar, where he has made four appearances since the end of January.