A Ronaldo-style winger is to have a two-week trial with Ipswich Town next week.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

A Ronaldo-style winger is to have a two-week trial with Ipswich Town next week.

Lino Goncalves has been recommended by Blues number two John Gorman after working with him at the Glenn Hoddle Academy.

The 20-year-old winger was born five miles away from World Player Of The year Christiano in Funchal, Madiera, and has drawn some comparisons with the Manchester United star.

Gorman said: “He is going to come in and train with us. He is a wee bit like Ronaldo, with a lot of ability. He models himself on Ronaldo.

“I have recommended him and Jim has been brilliant in letting him come so he will be here next week.

“It will be interesting to see if the rest of the coaches thought he is up to the standard. He is still a young lad but he has talent.

“We will have a look at him and see how he compares with the other lads here.”

Although born in Portugal, and he has represented his country at Under17, 18 and 19 level, Goncalves was brought up in south-west London

Although predominantly right-footed Goncalves is comfortable playing on either wing and has been marked out as being a skilful player but after impressing at reserve level for the Cottagers and training with the first team squad he never made a full debut and was released last summer.

He had a trial with Crystal Palace and Southampton and Newcastle United have both been linked with him, while Sporting Lisbon were alerted after seeing him play for the GHA.

As he is out of contract Goncalves could be signed outside the January transfer window if he impresses sufficiently and a small fee would be due to the GHA.

Gorman also revealed the Blues were closing in on Argentina winger Luciano Civelli, although no arrival date for the 22-year-old to arrive in England, had been given

He said: “It is ongoing and there is a good possibility of it happening.

“The club is hoping things can be sorted out but it takes time. Someone like him coming in will be a big boost for the fans and on that training ground. Everyone likes to see a new player and make the club better. If this lad come sin and with the exciting potential he has then he can help the club.”

Town are unlikely to get involved in any third party ownership and if a deal, of around �1.4m is completed with Buenos Aires club Banfield, Civelli would be their player alone.

The club have confirmed a Brazilian defender and a Czech striker have been among a raft of trialists at the club but nothing has progressed on any of them as yet.

Town chief executive Derek Bowden has also confirmed that Alex Bruce has rejected the club's offer of a two-year deal and added: the matter is closed for now.”

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk