Zé Carlos, a 26-year-old right-back, is in advanced negotiations to sign for Rio Ave. The player is currently without a club since leaving Gil Vicente.
The Portuguese defender spent the last two seasons at Gil Vicente, where he stood out in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Before that, he had represented Sporting de Braga.
Rio Ave, which competes in Liga Portugal, is looking to strengthen its defensive sector for the new season and sees Zé Carlos as an asset to the squad.
The player is free on the market after his contract with Gil Vicente ended, which means he can sign for the Vila do Conde side without transfer fees.
