Bahia boosts Feyenoord

Permanent deal possible
The player, whose full name is André Luis Bahia dos Santos Viana, has agreed a contract from 1 January 2005 and will stay at least until the end of the season, when the Dutch club will have the option of signing him on a four-year deal.

'Prove myself'
The left-sided centre-back, who turns 21 on 24 November, was delighted with the move. "In Brazil everyone who loves football knows Feyenoord, [AFC] Ajax and PSV [Eindhoven]. I am glad to be able to prove myself there," he said.

'Pretty experienced'
Feyenoord technical manager Mark Wotte added: "He has already played over 80 matches in the Flamengo first team, and is a frequent Brazil youth international, so he is pretty experienced for his age. He will get the opportunity to try and prove himself as back up to [defender] Patrick Paauwe. With this signing we now have a stand-in for every position, which was our aim."

Table toppers
Ruud Gullit's in-form side share top spot in the Eredivisie with PSV after winning seven of their opening nine games. They also lead UEFA Cup Group A after beating Heart of Midlothian FC on Matchday 1. They are next away to Ferencvárosi TC on 4 November.