Few details were given, other than that the club had been observing both players, but both are amongst a new generation of highly-rated Brazilian centre-backs.
Atlético Paranaense defender Manoel has been a regular in the Campeonato Brasileiro this season and is amongst the top-rated young defenders in South America, consistantly delivering good performances despite his club’s travails.
Strong, fast and a good header of the ball, Manoel has many of the qualities needed to be a top central-defender.
Juan was part of the victorious Brazil Under-20 World Cup squad this summer and has been a regular for Internacional in recent times.
Although his lack of pace was exposed with the Under-20 side, his domestic performances have won plaudits and the admiration of many foreign scouts.