Shakhtar shell out for Ilsinho

FC Shakhtar Donetsk have signed highly rated Brazilian right-back Ilsinho from São Paulo FC for a reported €10m fee.

Srna situation
"We've been looking for a replacement for Dario Srna since last year because he was set to leave Donetsk as his contract was expiring," Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu said. "Ilsinho was the only person I saw who could fill this position. Even when Srna agreed to extend his contract we didn't back off. [Ilsinho] will be a good deputy for Srna if he can't play. He can also play in central midfield alongside his former Under-21 team-mate Fernandinho."

European campaign
The 21-year-old Ilsinho has signed a four-year contract in Donetsk, having scored twice in 38 league appearances in Brazil for São Paulo and SE Palmeiras. Both AC Milan and Chelsea FC are reported to have taken an interest in the player. Ukrainian Premier League runners-up Shakhtar start their UEFA Champions League campaign away against FC Pyunik in the second qualifying round on Tuesday.

Busy summer
It has been a busy summer in the transfer market for Shakhtar who have already spent €8m on Italian Cristiano Lucarelli as well bringing in Oleksandr Gladkiy, Volodymyr Priyomov, Volodymyr Yezerskiy and Andriy Pyatov. Matuzalem, Andriy Vorobey and Vyacheslav Sviderskiy have all departed.