Soccer-Roma to sign Brazilian Bastos, says coach Garcia
By Terry Daley ROME, Jan 18 (Reuters) - AS Roma are on the verge of signing Brazilian Michel Bastos, who had looked set to sign for rivals Napoli on loan, coach Rudi Garcia said after Saturday's 3-0 Serie A victory over Livorno. "We're still waiting for it to be made official," Frenchman Garcia told reporters regarding the 30-year-old former Brazil international, who plays for Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates and can be deployed at fullback or as a winger. "He's a player I've followed since he left Lille," added Garcia. "He's played at Lyon, in Germany with Schalke and I knew we always had a chance with him and that he wanted to return to Europe. He's not only a top player but also a good man." Roma's win over lowly Livorno put them five points behind leaders Juventus, who host Sampdoria in Saturday's late game. (Reporting by Terry Daley; Editing by Ken Ferris)
