Roma secures Brazilian defender Castan

Rio de Janeiro: Brazilian centre-back Leandro Castan has reportedly agreed to a four-year contract with Italian Serie A club Roma.

Castan will join the Giallorossi later this week after playing his final match for Corinthians in Wednesday`s Copa Libertadores decider against Boca Juniors, reports a news agency. The Brazilian club will receive 5.5 million euros for the deal, which is yet to be officially announced by either club but was widely reported by Brazil`s press on Monday. Castan will be the fifth Brazilian in Roma`s squad, which already boasts Juan, Marquinho, Rodrigo Taddei and Fabio Simplicio. The 25-year-old was a key player in Corinthians` Brazilian championship-winning team last year. This season, with Castan the bedrock of the team`s defence, Corinthians has conceded just four goals in 13 Copa Libertadores matches. IANS