Sporting ponder move for Pauleta

Gladstone, Purovic and Stojkovic leave Lions

Former Portugal striker Pauleta could well end his career in Portugal, with Sporting thought to be ready to offer the veteran forward a one-year contract.

The Lions currently have four strikers in their squad – Liedson, Djalo, Tiui and Derlei – but none of them can be considered a tall target man. With Purovic to be released, coach Paulo Bento has established the need to reinforce this sector with a player who possesses different characteristics to his current options.

Pauleta is thought to be a viable option to play this role in 2008/09. Exploratory contacts have been made, although negotiations will only start after PSG play their final match of the season – the French Cup final against Lyon tomorrow.

Trio released

Moving in the other direction is Brazilian central defender Gladstone. The 23-year-old has been on loan from Brazilian team, Cruzeiro, but was seldom used.

Paulo Bento kept faith with the combination of Anderson Polga and Tonel at the heart of the defence, with Miguel Veloso often deputising when one of the first-choice duo was unavailable.

Gladstone played 5 games as a starter and made a total 13 appearances in the Portuguese league.

Earlier in the week Paulo Bento gave an interview on Portuguese TV where he also clarified that striker Purovic and goalkeeper Stojkovic will not be staying at the Lisbon club either.

The squad are now officially on holiday and will report for duty on July 7th.