Signed from Vissel Kobe in the J-League, Leandro recently participated in the Paulista State Championships in Brazil with Rio Branco, scoring against domestic giants Palmeiras.

Described as strong and skilful, Ernie Merrick believes the 21-year old is the perfect addition to Melbourne’s playing roster.

“This signing has been tough because if they are a back-up striker, they have got to know they are a back up striker, so you can’t spend big money which we don’t have anyway,” he said.

“You can’t sign a player who is mature and highly qualified because they want to play and when you’ve got the top two goalscorers in the competition, the third striker needs to know he is a back-up and that’s why we have gone for a youngster.”

Leandro was recommended to the club by former Brazilian international Carlos Bernardi and is set to arrive in Melbourne within two weeks.

However, the club haven’t yet finalised its roster for this season, with Merrick stating the club are scouring the Victorian Premier League for a versatile midfielder.

“We hope to bring on board a VPL player if there is any money available within the salary cap but we don’t know if that’s going to be right for two or three days, otherwise we’ll leave it until November,” he said.

Meanwhile, Merrick has confirmed that marquee star Archie Thompson should play a role in Melbourne’s cut-throat pre-season cup clash against Perth, while midfield general Grant Brebner will also be in the squad, having shrugged off the lingering effects of a niggling groin strain.

He said: “Archie just got back late last night from Singapore but he should be coming to Darwin with us as should Brebner. He just needs to get fit now.”

Report by Simon Chiarelli