Fabio Felicio on verge of completing Greek move

Midfielder to team up with Portuguese boss Carlos Carvalhal

Portuguese midfielder Fabio Felicio says he is close to joining former Vitoria Setubal coach Carlos Carvalhal at Greek side Asteras Tripolis.

Carvalhal took charge in Peloponnese this summer after guiding Setubal to the Portuguese Cup last season, and has been charged with securing a top five place in the Greek Super League next year.

Felicio, who has had spells in Spain with Real Sociedad and in Russia with Rubin Kazan, spent last season with Maritimo. Rubin still hold the player’s registration, but the 26-year-old is hopeful that the two clubs can come to an agreement to allow him to make the move to the Asteras Tripolis Stadium.

“I know that negotiations are at an advanced stage and I expect everything to end well,” he said. “I have a contract with Rubin until 2009, but it would be fantastic to be able to play in Greece.

“It’s one thing to be in a team where I don’t know if the coach trusts me. It’s another, which is much better, to go to a club at the specific request of the manager. I have never worked with Carlos, but I am very motivated.”

Asteras finished in 7th place last season, missing out on the top five by just a single point. A warning sign for Carvalhal is the end of previous manager Paulo Campos’ reign at the club.

Despite having led the club to their first promotion to the Greek top flight, the Brazilian was dismissed in February with the team in fifth place in the Greek Super League.