Ailton coup for Crvena Zvezda

Former Besiktas JK striker Ailton and Ecuador midfielder Segundo Castillo have signed for Serbian UEFA Cup contenders FK Crvena Zvezda.

Bundesliga hero
The 33-year-old Brazilian Ailton, who made his name in Germany with Werder Bremen, FC Schalke 04 and Hamburger SV, has agreed to join the Belgrade giants as a replacement for Nikola Žigić, who left for Spanish side Real Racing Club Santander yesterday. "We have signed a two-year contract by fax and Ailton is now travelling to Belgrade," said 'Red Star' director Stevan Stojanović. "We expect him to arrive about midnight, but the contract is legal. Ailton is a great and very experienced forward, who I believe offers many positives for our club."

Positive impressions
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old Castillo, who has 13 Ecuador caps and appeared at the FIFA World Cup finals, has sealed a two-year deal after arriving from CD El Nacional in his homeland. "Two days ago I knew nothing about Crvena Zvezda," he admitted. "But I have now heard so many good things and I am delighted with my first impressions of Belgrade and the stadium. I have come here to win trophies and give everything for the club."