Juninho Paulista, a Brazilian excitement machine who won a World Cup in 2002, has reportedly joined the A-League's Sydney FC.

After so many setbacks, Sydney were last night on the verge of securing the 34-year-old superstar as their marquee player for the coming A-League season.

(The Original) Juninho could be arriving here as early as this week.

Sydney CEO George Perry would not confirm or deny that the radar was locked on Juninho last night, saying only: "We've been talking to two players and we are close to signing one.''

But a report in today's Daily Telegraph says all the paperwork has been completed - including the necessary visa - and the man who played in five of Brazil's seven matches in their triumphant 2002 World Cup campaign and represented his country 50 times is on his way to Sydney.

The signing of the graceful attacking midfielder, who is also a proven goalscorer, will end a painful nine-month search to replace Dwight Yorke.

The club have previously been knocked back by Dutchman Phillip Cocu and Englishman Robbie Fowler, while Jay Jay Okocha, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Socceroo striker John Aloisi also showed interest. Aloisi was asking for $1million a season for three years.

While Juninho grew up in Sao Paulo and began his first-team football with that club in 1993, he has also played in Spain (Atletico Madrid), England (Middlesbrough) and Scotland (Celtic). News.com.au

In other Sydney FC news Sydney FC have signed Young Socceroos striker Ben Vidaic to a two-year contract after the youngster impressed the club in the pre-season.

The 19-year-old was used as a substitute by Sydney FC in the pre-season against Queensland Roar, Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners, and after impressing coach Branko Culina, the 190cm striker has been given the chance to make an impact in the Hyundai A-League.

"Ben has great potential and I'm confident he'll push for a place in the team," Culina said. Sportal