Brazilian Jefferson set to sign for Sporting Lisbon

Rio de Janeiro, June 4 (IANS) Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon is on the verge of signing highly-rated Brazilian midfielder Jeferson for an undisclosed fee.

Jeferson's Brazilian club Botafogo confirmed Sunday that a deal for the 20-year-old was likely to be settled this week.

"They have spoken to us on two occasions to express their interest," Botafogo's football manager Anderson Barros was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

"The player has also spoken with his representatives and we are not going to stand in the way of his wishes," he said.

Jeferson, a versatile midfielder who can also be used in attack, has impressed for Botafogo since being signed from Sao Paulo last year.