World Cup hero Vozinha to be approached over shock transfer aged 40 as soon as tournament ends

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has been one of the stories of the World Cup so far - and the 40-year-old's club career might be about to have a fairytale ending.

Vozinha ended his tournament with a total of 18 saves as Cape Verde reached the last 16 stage.

He recorded seven saves in their 0-0 draw with Spain in the group stage, before Cape Verde managed draws with Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to finish in second place.

Their World Cup ended with a 3-2 defeat to holders Argentina in the round of 32, but Cape Verde twice equalised and took the game to extra time.

It was an own goal that ultimately sent the African nation out, but Vozinha could do little to keep out any of the three goals that Argentina scored.

As ever in the digital age, his soaring popularity has been reflected in the amount of Instagram followers he possesses.

Vozinha had 50,000 followers before the tournament, a number that has now increased to 25 million and counting.

Vozinha helped Cape Verde through to the knockouts at their first-ever World Cup (Image: Getty)

Around 14 million of those followers were gained after the stalemate with Spain, and the figure continued rising as Cape Verde progressed further into the World Cup before their eventual exit.

Votinha closing in on fairytale transfer after World Cup

At club level, Vozinha is currently a free agent after his contract with Portuguese second-division club Chaves expired at the end of last month.

He announced his departure before the World Cup began, with manager Vitor Martins commenting beforehand: "He's at a very specific point in his career and living a unique moment in his life, one he perhaps thought impossible, about to play in a World Cup at 40 years old.

"I believe he will follow his best path and it probably won't be with Chaves. He was a perfect professional until the end."

The goalkeeper surely wouldn't have expected that path to involve playing against Lionel Messi in a World Cup round of 32 clash.

And he might yet get to see a lot more of Messi at club level.

That is because, according to Portuguese outlet Record, Inter Miami have expressed interest in signing Vozinha as a free agent once the World Cup ends.

It is claimed that there is 'strong interest' from the MLS side, and that he is 'highly regarded' by those at the club.

Mexican outlet El Informador added further detail to that initial report, claiming that while there is not a final agreement in place, Inter Miami owner David Beckham wants to complete a deal after the tournament and that approaches will 'intensify' in the coming days and weeks.

Inter Miami signed Canada international goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair from Minnesota United earlier this year, and the 29-year-old has quickly established himself as their number one shot-stopper.

Vozinha would, therefore, almost certainly have to settle for a backup role, but his leadership skills both on the pitch and in the dressing room would no doubt be highly valued by the MLS franchise.

Inter Miami are currently second in the MLS Western Conference this season, having picked up 31 points from their 15 matches. Leaders Nashville are two points ahead, having played a game fewer.