Sporting get defensive cover

Sporting Clube de Portugal have signed Portuguese Under-21 international João Paulo on loan from UD Leiria.

Elbow injury
The reigning Portuguese champions and cup holders made the surprise move for the young defender after it was discovered that regular first-team central defender Beto would miss the next two months of the season with an elbow injury. Beto has already undergone surgery.

Permanent option
João Paulo will remain at Sporting on loan for the remainder of the season and Laszlo Bölöni's side have the option of taking him on a permanent deal at the end of the season if the two clubs can agree terms.

'A dream come true'
"I came here with the idea of staying after this loan period," said João Paulo "This is a dream come true. I had a dream when I was a young boy which was to play alongside João Pinto, but I never thought that would be possible."

Young talent
Bölöni admitted that the loss of Beto had been a major blow but was convinced that his young replacement has what it takes to impress at the highest level in Portuguese football. "The timing was not good because we had found the defensive axis with Beto improving his condition," said the club's Romanian coach.

Bad timing
"Nobody thought that an injury would haunt him again, so we had to find a solution. There was no time to make any other arrangement. João Paulo is here to prove what he can do. I am convinced that he has all it takes to achieve his and our goals."