Brazilian boost for Lokomotiv

Reigning champions
The reigning Russian champions, currently seventh in the Premier-Liga and preparing for the UEFA Champions League, have brought in 22-year-old Leandro from SC Corinthians Paulista and 24-year-old Wagner from Cruzeiro EC.

Cup winner
Leandro, who played for Botafogo FR and Santos FC before joining Corinthians in July 2001, said: "Moving to Lokomotiv is a new challenge for me. It doesn't matter which club you play for in Brazil - playing in Europe is more prestigious. I am happy to have joined the Russian champions, who have a good reputation in Europe. I would like to do all I can to adapt quickly and help my team in the league and in Europe."

European dream
Wagner, a team-mate of Leandro during a recent six-month loan spell at Corinthians, said: "I am happy to have moved to such a strong team. My dream of moving to Europe has come true." The two Brazilians are the latest arrivals in a busy summer of transfer activity at Lokomotiv. The club recently signed Dmitri Khokhlov from Real Sociedad de Fútbol, Sergei Gurenko from Parma AC and Mikhail Ashvetia from FC Spartak-Alania Vladikavkaz.