Melbourne Victory have found the next Fred! Or so it seems. 23 year old Brazilian attacking midfielder Isael William da Costa Brandão, commonly known as William, is in negotiations with the Victory. William is a certainty to put pen to paper on a 1 year loan deal in time for the Asian Champions League, with an intention to move to the Victory permanently once his contract with Sport Club do Recife expires in December of 2008. William has played for Sport Club do Recife, as well as Corinthians-AL in Brazil. Merrick and his staff are reportedly delighted with the signing, expecting him to emulate Fred's sterling season of 2006-2007, in which the Victory beat Adelaide United 6-0 in the Grand Final at the Telstra Dome.

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Nick of Carlton

FourFourTwo Belief Factor: 5/10 - Not every South American will be the next Fred.