Paraguay defender Balbuena to undergo Corinthians medical
Brazilian football champions Corinthians have beaten off interest from local rivals Sao Paulo to sign Paraguay defender Fabian Balbuena, according to local media reports
Balbuena will undergo a medical with the Brazilian outfit on Monday after his club Libertad reportedly agreed to a $1.5 million transfer, reports Xinhua.
"If there are no issues with the physical tests, he will sign a three-year contract," Brazilian portal Gazeta Esportiva said on Saturday, citing sources close to Corinthians.
Balbuena has been identified as a replacement for central defender Gil, who left the Sao Paulo club to join China's Shandong Luneng on January 18.
The 24-year-old made his international debut in Paraguay's 1-0 friendly loss to Mexico in Kansas City last March.
Corinthians have lost five players since clinching the Brazilian Serie title for a sixth time in December. Those to have left are Ralf, Jadson, Renato Augusto and Gil -- all to Chinese Super League clubs -- and Alexandre Pato to Chelsea.