25 July 2007, by Tom Kundert

Valencia declare Caneira “non-transferable”

Sporting to contract Brazilian right-back Pedro Silva

Sporting appear to have failed in their attempts to either extend the loan of Marco Caneira from Valencia, or buy the utility defender outright.

Caneira, who can play at full-back on either flank or as a central defender, enjoyed a magnificent season last year, prompting Spanish club Valencia to recall him from his long-term loan deal with the Lisbon club.

Despite efforts to secure the Portugal international, Sporting have been rebuffed by the player’s agent, Paulo Barbosa, who declared that “Marco Caneira is a Valencia player and at this moment is non-transferable.”

Pedro Silva to be contracted

The Lisbon club have turned to the other side of the Atlantic to bring in defensive cover. Brazilian right-back Pedro Silva, who played in Portugal for Academica earlier in his career, is expected to sign a three-year deal within the next few days.

The Corinthians player has resolved a litigation issue with his club by paying 108,000 euros to his former employees to rescind his contract.

Sporting have moved quickly to secure his services ahead of Dynamo Kiev, who were also interested in signing the defender.


Related: Marco Caneira PortuGOAL profile