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 Xinhua.

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 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)