Madrid to sign Marcelo

Madrid beat fellow La Liga club Sevilla to the signing of the player, who can also feature in attacking roles. The club will pay three million up front and the other three in two segments at later dates.

"The boy only wants to come to Madrid," said a source from within Real. "We do not think that anyone could have changed his mind.

"There could have been other big offers for him, but Marcelo wants to become a Madrid-style footballer."

Marcelo, only 18, is regarded as the natural heir to the recently-retired Roberto Carlos in the Selecao. He has already secured his place in coach Dunga's plans, scoring a goal in the friendly international against Wales in August.

Madrid are considering sending him out on loan to another European club for the second half of the season before incorporating him into their squad for the next campaign, but may yet decide to bring him straight into their plans.

The teenager is expected arrive in Madrid on Monday to be presented in the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.