Anderson Alves da Silva, a Brazilian Under 17 and Under 20 international who spent four years with Flamengo, one of his country's top sides, is likely to join his new team-mates in Singapore during United's tour of Asia next week.

Watched by Bleiberg during the United coach's overseas trip last year, 26-year-old Anderson is seen as an ideal replacement and comes with a pedigree similar to his younger sibling, who has impressed in United colours so far.

Anderson played in six matches during the 1999 FIFA Under 17 World Championships in New Zealand and two games in the 2001 Under 20 World Cup Finals, where he featured alongside current Brazilian star Kaka.

"I watched him play when I was in Brazil, but at that time I had no room to bring another visa player," said Bleiberg. "With Jefferson now injured we can bring him over as injury cover.

"He's a well-credentialed player having played for the Brazilian Under 17 team like his brother, and also the Under 20 side.

"He actually played in the final of the 1999 FIFA Under 17 World Championships in New Zealand when Australia were the opponents, the same game that Jess Vanstrattan took part in.

"He will come to us on a short-term contract and the likelihood is that he will meet up with us in Singapore or Hong Kong next week and then come back to Australia with us."