Sporting capture Evaldo and Maniche

Sporting Clube de Portugal have signed experienced midfielder Maniche and Brazilian left-back Evaldo.

Erstwhile Portuguese international Maniche, 32, has agreed a 12-month deal with the option of two further seasons after leaving 1. FC Köln by mutual consent. An SL Benfica product who won the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto, he has also played for FC Dinamo Moskva, Chelsea FC, FC Internazionale Milano and Club Atlético de Madrid. "It's two dreams come true, mine and that of my father, who taught me to be a Sporting supporter and watch the club's matches. I'm very happy and I hope everything turns out well for me and the team."

Meanwhile, 28-year-old Evaldo moves from SC Braga for €3m on a contract until 2014, which includes a €20m transfer clause. Ever-present as Braga finished Liga runners-up last season, the former CA Paranaense, Porto and CS Marítimo defender said: "This is the right time to join Sporting." Fourth in the 2009/10 Liga, Sporting start next season's UEFA Europa League in the third qualifying round and have also recalled midfielder André Santos, 21, from a successful loan spell at UD Leiria.