Maicon and Pereira sign as Porto secure Ferreira

FC Porto have signed Brazilian defender Maicon from EC Cruzeiro and Uruguay left-back Álvaro Pereira from CFR 1907 Cluj while Jesualdo Ferreira has agreed a two-year extension, binding the coach to the club until 2011.

'Best holiday ever'
The 20-year-old Maicon played 28 games on loan at CD Nacional last season, helping the Madeira-based club to a fourth-placed finish and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. "It's the happiest day of my life," he said. "Porto are one of the best and most respected clubs in Europe. I've always dreamed of playing in the Champions League because it's a great stage. Porto have a tradition in the competition and I hope I can maintain that. Now I'm going to have my best holiday ever."

Identical contract
Pereira, 24, has also signed a five-year contract with Porto having paid €4.5m for 80 per cent of his sporting rights. Having started his career with CS Miramar Misiones in his native Uruguay, he represented Argentinian sides Quilmes AC and AA Argentinos Juniors before moving to Romania to join CFR last summer. He scored once in 29 league games for the club this season. Portuguese double winners Porto will play in next season's group stage.