KEY POINTS:
The name of a second Brazilian player for the Wellington Phoenix is expected to be announced in the next few days as coach Ricki Herbert's squad continues to grow.
Herbert beat Adelaide United to the punch in signing left back/midfielder Daniel Lins Cortes as the first of four allowable foreign - non-Australian or New Zealand - players.
"I was talking to Glenn Dods at Adelaide over the weekend and he wasn't happy we had signed him as they were very keen to have him," said Herbert. "While I haven't spoken to Daniel directly, I know a lot about him after watching heaps and heaps of DVDs.
"We were aware that other clubs were chasing him and were lucky enough to secure an option."
Herbert will not name the second Brazilian until the formalities are completed but said he played a similar role to that undertaken by Fred, another Brazilian, for Hyundai A-League champions Melbourne Victory.
"He plays as a traditional No 10 role - sitting in behind the central striker in a receive, turn, distribute role - in linking with the front-runners," said Herbert. "He has played at the same level as Daniel and is currently at a first division club in Europe.
"I spoke to his connections onSaturday night and we hope to have the deal finalised within the next day or so."
Cortes, who plays as "Daniel", is a dead-ball specialist who likes to push forward. He is likely to take an attacking left midfield role with his new club.
"It's great for the Phoenix to get a player of this calibre - especially with other A-League clubs interested in his services," said Herbert. "From what I have already seen, I'm sure, given the technical ability Brazilians bring, he will add something to the team."
Daniel, 27 (and 1.80m and 78kg), is currently with Brazilian club Guarani. Apart from stints at Dutch first division FC Twente and Videoton in Hungary, he has played his football in Brazil.
He is the only player signed by the club whom Herbert has not hadpersonal contact with. But Herbert expects he will be in Wellington around May 20 to prepare for pre-season training in early June.
Herbert expects to name at least four players this week - including a couple of All Whites - as he builds towards the 20 or 21 players he expects to sign for the new season.
He intends leaving two or three spaces open with a view to adding, if needed, in the November transfer window.
Onside
* Tim Brown, Glen Moss, Mark Paston, Steven Old, Costa Barbarouses (NZ), Ross Aloisi, Steven O'Dor, Vince Lia, Richard Johnson, Michael Ferrante (Australia), Daniel (Brazil).
