Porto complete capture of Columbian star Fredy Guarin

U21 international Machado loaned to out as part of deal

FC Porto and St. Etienne have finalised the transfer of midfielder Fredy Guarin. The Colombian international is in Portugal to sort out minor details, but a permanent deal with the Dragons is all but tied up.

“I feel enormous happiness. I am aware of how big FC Porto are, a recent European champion, but I am not nervous. Quite the contrary, I am calm because I believe in my ability and I believe that I have conditions to show my football for a team that is waiting for me,” stated Guarin.

Going the other way as part of the deal is Portugal U21 starlet Paulo Machado. The midfielder, who was on loan to Leixoes last year, has already arrived in France and is excited about playing for Les Verts.

“I would like to continue to evolve, and grow, and give my contribution to this institution. I spoke with Helder Postiga who played at St. Etienne and he spoke well of the club and the fans.”

In other club news, reports coming out of Romania claim that Porto are interested in Rapid Bucharest right-back Sapunaru. Porto are looking for a replacement for the recently transferred Bosingwa and the Romanian club’s general director, Constantin Zotta, has admitted that the Portuguese champions have approached the Romanian club about the player’s availability.

Big transfer fee

However, Rapid are reluctant to lose their prized asset and will demand a heavy transfer fee for the full-back. “Sapunaru could go to FC Porto. We do not want to sell him, but if the proposal is very good and the player is satisfied, we must analyse the situation. We are willing to receive a package involving money and players,” declared Zotta.

Rogue midfielder Ibson looks set to remain with Flamengo as the player has renewed with the club for one more year. The Brazilian has re-ignited his career since his arrival at the Rio de Janeiro outfit a year ago and is more than happy to stay in Brazil after not figuring into Jesualdo Ferreira’s plans.

Also staying in Brazil is defender Leandro. The 29-year-old stopper was signed by Porto back in the winter of 2005 and only played 10 games for the Dragons before he was shipped back out to Cruzeiro the following season.