HITC Sport understands Oxford are set to land the Brazilian defender.
Atletico Madrid’ defender Juanfran (L) and defender Ricardinho vie for the ball
Oxford United have stolen a march on a number of Championship clubs and are set to sign Brazilian left-back Ricardinho, HITC Sport understands from sources close to the club
The 32 year-old attack-minded left back is out of contract after spending two years at top Azerbaijan side Gabala.
Ricardinho, who started his career in his native Brazil with Coritiba, first moved to Europe in 2009 with Swedish side Malmo.
The full-back enjoyed a successful five-year spell at Malmo that included numerous Champions League campaigns.
He played under Oxford boss Pep Clotet at in Sweden when the Spaniard was assistant coach at Malmo.
Brazilian defender Ricardinho in action for Malmo against Carlos Tevez
Clotet has continued to keep tabs on Ricardinho since he left Malmo and he has now moved to be reunited with him at the Kassam Stadium.
Former Leeds assistant manager Clotet took charge at Oxford this summer following Michael Appleton’s departure to Leicester City and he is keen to build a side capable of challenging for promotion this season.
Ricardinho is expected to sign a one-year deal with the ambitious League One outfit and he could go into the squad for this weekend’s opener away to Oldham Athletic.
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