Manchester City have completed the signing of Brazilian defender Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for a fee of £29.4 million.
Widely regarded as one of South America's most talented youngsters, 19-year-old Reis will immediately join Pep Guardiola's squad instead of remaining in Brazil for the Club World Cup.
Brighton and several clubs across Europe were also touted with interest in Reis, but City stole a march to make the center their second signing of the January window after adding Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov on Monday for £33 million.
After his move was completed, Reis, who will wear the number 22 shirt and has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract, said: 'I am excited to join Manchester City, one of the biggest clubs in the world. world.
“Everyone has seen the great performances of recent seasons and I want to make my mark in our quest for more trophies.
'Working with Pep Guardiola is something that every young player wants to do, and I know he can help me develop into the best player I can be.
'City also have a lot of experience working with Brazilian footballers and it will be a big help for me to bring players like Ederson and Savinho into the squad.'
Football director Txiki Begiristain added: 'Vitor Reis is one of the most promising young defenders in the world and we are pleased to have brought him here.
“In his short time in senior football in Brazil he has shown that he has the ability to go very far in the game and we know that working with Pep and our coaches will help get the best out of him.
'He is excellent on the ball and excellent in the air; he has all the qualities needed to be one of the best.
'Vitor is still very young, but his quality is so high that we think he can help us now and for the long term.'
Palmeiras president Leila Pereira had confirmed that City had made an official offer for Reis earlier this month, which fell short of valuation, but talks continued.
'There was an official proposal from Manchester City, but we are negotiating. “I won't talk about the amount, but it hasn't achieved what Palmeiras wants,” Pereira said.
'But I'm in no hurry. Vitor still has a long contract. We are in discussions and if we reach a value that is good for Palmeiras, for the athlete and for Manchester, okay. But nothing has been decided yet.'
The signing of the 19-year-old, who can also play as a right-back, comes as a boost for City as Kyle Walker nears his move to Milan.
Vitor made 22 appearances for Palmeiras, while he was also a regular for Brazil's youth teams, earning nine Under-17 caps.
Mail Sport had reported last month that the Premier League champions were hoping to bring in three or four new signings across all levels of a side struggling with a constant injury crisis and a battle for form this season.
Following the arrivals of Reis and Khusanov, City are hoping to complete a move for Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush, while they are also considering a move for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz.