Osasuna pin hopes on Pinheiro

Club Atlético Osasuna have completed the loan signing of attacking midfield player Julio César Pinheiro from Hellas Verona FC.

Permanent deal
Born in Brazil but a Mexican national, the 26-year-old Pinheiro will be unveiled on Thursday at the El Sadar stadium. He could join the club on a permanent basis at the end of the season if he meets expectations.

Second signing
Pinheiro previously played in Spain for CD Logroñes in 1998 prior to joining CD Cruz Azul. He stayed at the Mexican club from winter 1999 until March this year, when he tried his luck in Italy with Verona. Osasuna last week signed midfielder Valmiro Lopes 'Valdo' in a €1.5m deal from Real Madrid CF.