Real Madrid close to signing Brazil defender Marcelo

MADRID, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Real Madrid have said they are close to completing a deal for Brazil fullback Marcelo as part of their strategy to strengthen their team in the January transfer window

'A deal for Marcelo is close to being agreed,' Real sports director Predrag Mijatovic was quoted as telling Onda 6 television station on Tuesday. The 18-year-old Fluminense left back is being regarded as a long-term replacement for Roberto Carlos, and scored on his international debut in September in Brazil's 2-0 win over Wales. Real president Ramon Calderon said last weekend the club were planning to sign three or four players in January and Spanish media have linked a number of youngsters with the nine-times European champions. Along with Marcelo, Boca Juniors' 20-year-old midfielder Fernando Gago and River Plate's 18-year-old forward Gonzalo Higuain top the list of reported targets. After having signed mainly experienced, older players during the summer, Mijatovic has highlighted the club's desire to focus on 'players for the future'. 'Gago would be good for us. He has a great touch and is a quality player. We are interested in him but it isn't a done deal yet. There are other big clubs interested as well but he wants to come to Real,' Mijatovic added. Higuain, the French-born son of Argentine parents, has turned down the chance to make his international debut with France. Higuain was reported in the Spanish media on Tuesday saying: 'Real are a great team with great players and it would be wonderful to play there

copied http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=391695&cc=4716

visit my site @ Jeffayn.com ...