The sex therapist wife of Rui Patricio has revealed the sexy plan she thinks will give players a boost.

Patricio, who today joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on a four-year deal, has headed to this summer's showpiece as Portugal's number one between the sticks.

He was beaten three times during the thrilling 3-3 draw with Spain, kept a clean sheet against Morocco and is currently facing Iran.

While he's focused on keeping clean sheets, his wife, Vera Ribeiro, is more of an expert at what goes on beneath them - and she's urged national team coach Fernando Santos to tell his players to masturbate as it could enhance their chances of coming first in Russia.

Dr Ribeiro, a psychologist who specialises in sexual matters, has published a book examining the love lives of footballers called 'Manual of Seduction'.

In it she argues that players, whose performances in Russia will be scrutinised by millions of fans watching the tournament around the globe, should be encouraged to indulge themselves as a means of relieving stress and coping with anxiety.

She says that “nothing positive comes from sexual abstinence” - and that players should also be allowed to make love before games.

Dr Ribeiro, appearing on Portuguese TV, added: “The football player should not abstain from having sex before games, but we also know that in terms of routine they are not in contact with families either.

“We can not associate sports performance with the occurrence of sex.”

More Wolves news

Wolves star Ivan Cavaleiro has taken to social media to scotch reports of him leaving Molineux.

The winger has been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Huddersfield, with suggestions a £12m fee had already been agreed.

However, the 24-year-old is not merely brushing that off as speculation and used his official Twitter account to pledge his loyalty to Wolves.

“Looking forward to start the season with my club #wolvesaywe.”

It was claimed Wolves’ 'ambitious plans' might mean they are willing to sell the wide-man who previously played for Benfica, Monaco and Deportivo La Coruna .

He won the Portuguese title whilst in action with the Primeira Liga side in 2013/14 and played 35 Championship games last term en route to winning promotion.

He has scored 13 goals in his 70 appearances in the Old Gold following his £7m move from Monaco in August 2016.

You can value him by using our nifty widget here.

Joe is staying put

Wales international Joe Allen is to stay with Stoke City having agreed a new contract.

The midfielder, who was linked with a £20m move to Wolves just before the end of last season , has agreed a new four-year contract.

That will keep him at the bet365 Stadium until 2022 and see him remain as a central part of a team charged with an instant return to the Premier League.

Wolves are thought to be interested in adding quality to the centre of the park and are reported to have held discussions over Jack Wilshere’s availability.

The Arsenal man is yet to sign a new deal at the Emirates. But one thing is clear, Allen will not be in the Old Gold next season.

Allen told the club website : “I spoke to Tony Scholes once the season had ended and he made it very clear that the Club weren’t interested in selling me and that they wanted me to stay on.

“That stance from the Club, coupled with how settled I am here, how happy I am and how much I’ve enjoyed it, made it pretty straightforward for me.”

The decision means Allen will play alongside former Wolves striker Benik Afobe, who joined the club last week.

Nice touch

Former Wolves striker Jon Dadi Bodvarsson has taken time out of Iceland’s World Cup campaign to show his support for ex-team-mate Carl Ikeme.

The striker, who watched his country’s outstanding 1-1 draw with Argentina from the bench, posed with the rest of his compatriots holding up a shirt bearing Ikeme’s name and number.

The goalkeeper would have been in Russia himself with the Nigeria team - but for the fact he is currently undergoing treatment for acute Leukaemia.

Ikeme did not play at all last season following his diagnosis last summer but he has remained prominent in many people’s thoughts.

Bodvarsson played for Wolves during the 2016/2017 season, making 42 Championship appearances before being sold to Reading.

Under different circumstances the two former team-mates might have faced off on Friday with Iceland due to play Nigeria.

In demand

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Cameron John is reportedly on the radar of three clubs as he approaches the final year of his contract.

Brighton and Hove Albion, Sunderland and Norwich City all want to sign the centre-back, 18, according to HITC Sport.

John, who can play in the middle or on the left-hand side of defence, impressed for Scott Sellars' Under-23s last term but his path to the first team is blocked by plenty of competition for places.

Wolves are said to be reluctant to lose John who was also linked with Premier League clubs last year having impressed scouts, however it is claimed they are expecting offers.

It is said that Sunderland's interest would come in the form of a potential loan move.

Nuno Espirito Santo's Championship title winners last month moved to sign Willy Boly on a permanent deal for around £10million from Porto after the central defender impressed on loan.

The Frenchman scored three times in 37 appearances in old gold as the club cruised to the summit of the division, winning the league by nine points to secure a top-flight return

Wolves also have Conor Coady, Ryan Bennett, Roderick Miranda and Danny Batth as central defensive options.