Brian McDermott has revealed that Reading beat off competition from Porto and Benfica to land Sporting Lisbon captain Daniel Carrico.
The 24-year-old joins the club on a two-year deal after being frozen out at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Carrico is a former Portuguese Under-21 international who came through Sporting's youth ranks before making his debut in 2007.
"He is a central midfield player or a centre-back," McDermott told Sky Sports News following his side's 3-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
"He is the ex-Sporting Lisbon captain, he is still young, he is everything that is good about football, he is a good Reading signing, I am sure that he will come in and do well for us."
When asked if he was aware of interest from other clubs, McDermott replied: "Yes, the two big clubs in Portugal wanted him. But he wanted to come to Reading. We have been trying to get this deal done for a while."
Carrico will link up with the Royals on Thursday.
Michael Penkman
