``We are very happy because he was a pearl which half of Europe wanted,'' Calderon said on the website of sports daily Marca on Tuesday. ``He has come to Real Madrid, continuing what should happen, that the good players have to be here.''

Marcelo, for whom Madrid has reportedly paid six million euros (C$8.8 million), is expected to be introduced at a news conference on Wednesday following a routine medical.

Marcelo, an 18-year-old whose style has been compared to Madrid's Roberto Carlos, agreed the move after talks with Calderon in Madrid on Monday.

``Marcelo is coming to be (Roberto Carlos') substitute the day he decides to retire,'' Calderon said. ``He's a very young player who will bring freshness and life to the club. He is coming to help us renew the club.''

Three of Madrid's four signings after Calderon was elected in July are over 30: Ruud van Nistelrooy, Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson.

Even though Marcelo would be free to play for Madrid once January's transfer window opens, he reportedly may start out in the club's reserve team, Castilla, which plays in the Spanish second division.

Marcelo _ whose full name is Marcelo Vieira da Silva Junior _ has been capped twice under Brazil coach Carlos Dunga. He scored on his debut against Wales in September, but hasn't been included for Wednesday's friendly with Switzerland.

Marcelo will be Madrid's seventh Brazilian player. The others are Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo, Robinho, Emerson, Cicinho and Julio Baptista, who is on loan at Arsenal this season.

Calderon added Tuesday that Madrid would soon sign an Argentine player. This could be River Plate striker Gonzalo Higuain or Boca Juniors midfielder Fernando Gago

Madrid, which hasn't won a major trophy since 2003, is third in the Spanish league, two points behind leader and defending champion FC Barcelona.