Italian giants AC Milan have signed Brazilian full-back Felipe Mattioni from Gremio, the player's agent said on Thursday. Gremio confirmed on Wednesday night that the 20-year-old right back was in talks with Milan before the Italian press confirmed the deal.

"Felipe is already in Italy and will undergo a medical. He has signed a four-and-a-half year contract and he is ready to play," said Mattioni's agent Mino Raiola. Mattioni was allegedly also being chased by Juventus, Manchester United and Ajax but will instead join the growing Brazilian ranks at Milan where Ronaldinho, Kaka, Pato, Emerson and Dida already play while Thiago Silva joined from Fluminense during this transfer window but cannot make his debut until next season.

Mattioni, who can also play in midfield, will not count as one of Milan's non-EU players as he also holds an Italian passport. However, his severance from Gremio was somewhat bitter with the club's director of football Andre Krieger criticising his behaviour and threatening legal action.

"He has not handled himself in an ethical way. Perhaps under pressure from his agent, the player did not turn up for training. We will see what legal action we can take," he said. No figures have been released for the deal although there is a sell-on clause entitling Gremio to ten per cent of any future transfer fee.