Juventus to sign Botafogo youngster

Italian giants Juventus Monday closed in on the signing of Botafogo defender Doria in a 10 million U.S. dollars deal. "The deal is well advanced. All should be resolved in the first or second week of January. Juventus know what Botafogo want and we are working out a deal that will leave everyone happy," said Jolden Vergette, the player's agent. With the European transfer window due to open on January 1st, the 18-year-old central defender should move to Turin in a matter of days. The teenager turned into a first-team regular at the Rio de Janeiro club during the second half of the 2012 season and earned high praise after a string of high-class displays. His excellent performances, enhanced by his agility and intelligent positioning sense, had made him a target for several of Europe's elite. But the Italian champions, who have lost just two league games in eighteen months, won the race for his signature. With Lucio having moved to Sao Paulo last week, Doria should be registered for both the Italian championship and the Champions League upon his arrival in Italy. Botafogo own 40% of the player's economic rights and will receive four million dollars from the transaction for new acquisitions. Doria is currently training with the Brazilian Under-20 squad that will compete in the South American Cup in January in Argentina.