Man City sign teenage Brazilian defender Vitor Reis

LONDON: Manchester City announced Tuesday they had completed the signing of teenage defender Vitor Reis from Brazilian club Palmeiras for a reported fee of £29.6 million ($36.2 million).

The 19-year-old Brazilian youth international has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Premier League champions. “I´m excited to join Manchester City, one of the biggest clubs in the world,” said the right-footed centre-back.

“Everyone has seen the amazing achievements in recent seasons and I want to make my mark as we seek more trophies. “Working with Pep Guardiola is something every young player wants to do and I know he can help me to develop into the best player I can be.”

City´s director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “Vitor Reis is one of the most promising young defenders in the world and we´re delighted to have been able to bring him here. “He is excellent on the ball and outstanding in the air -- he has all the attributes needed to be one of the best.” Reis is City´s second signing of the January transfer window after the arrival of Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov.

The club are reportedly chasing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush before the window closes. City´s Premier League title defence has been hit by a spate of injuries this season, particularly in defence. They are currently fifth in the table after a 6-0 win at Ipswich on Sunday.