China champs Guangzhou sign Elkeson

Chinese league and cup holders Guangzhou Evergrande have confirmed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Elkeson de Oliveira Cardoso to a four-year deal with the transfer fee topping €5.7 million (US$7.4 million). Elkeson, 23, will arrive at Guangzhou in January to begin preparing for the upcoming season, the club said in an announcement on their website. "We are fully confident that with an international star like Elkeson joining our club we will be able to strengthen our midfield attack, improve our offensive capabilities and bring a much more exciting game to the fans," the club said. Evergrande, coached by FIFA World Cup™-winning Italian Marcello Lippi, dominated Chinese football last season, winning both the Super League title and the FA cup behind the play of international stars Dario Conca and former Borussia Dortmund striker Lucas Barrios. By signing Elkeson, who was released by his Rio De Janeiro club Botafogo earlier this month, Guangzhou hope to make a run at the AFC Champions League title, the club said.