Gilberto Silva bound for England
The Athletic Mineiro midfielder was a tower of strength as Brazil won every game to win the 2002 World Cup with his tireless running and tough-tackling allowing the likes of Ronaldinho and Rivaldo to stream forward.
His stellar displays have attracted the attention of several English clubs and Mineiro supremo Alexander Kalil revealed a deal was in the pipeline, but would not unmask the identity of the interested party.
"Negotiations are near to an end but I have signed a confidentiality agreement that prevents me from revealing the name of the English club and the value of the transaction," explained Kalil.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Aston Villa are the three clubs thought to be in the frame with the first two favourites for his signature.
The Gunners are looking to strengthen their hold on the Premiership title and may view Gilberto Silva as someone to put pressure on Edu and Patrick Vieira in midfield.
Aston Villa are looking to strengthen with George Boateng set to leave the midfield engine room while United appear to have sufficient strength-in-depth with Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Juan Sebastian Veron in midfield.
