Express & Star

Albion sign Portugal's Silvestre Varela

West Brom have signed FC Porto winger Silvestre Varela on a season-long loan.

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The 29-year-old Portugal international passed a medical this afternoon and has become the Baggies' 10th summer signing.

Varela has 26 full caps for his country and played at this summer's World Cup in Brazil, scoring in their 2-2 draw with the USA.

The 5ft 11in tall wideman has played more than 100 times for Porto after starting his career with Sporting Lisbon.

He spent a season on loan at Recreativo in Spain but has spent the rest of his career in Portugal.

He is primarily a right winger but can also operate on the left and boasts 30 goals in 115 starts in the Portuguese top flight.

Head coach Alan Irvine said: "Silvestre is a vastly-experienced player, both with Porto and his national team, and I'm delighted we've managed to secure his services.

"He's got pace and power, gets his fair share of goals and is also a creator of chances for others.

"He's a fantastic addition to our squad."

In 2010/11 Varela scored 10 goals in 26 league appearances under then-manager Andre Villas Boas to help secure the first of three successive titles and he boasts Champions League experience as well as a Europa League winner's medal.

To see a video showing Varela's skills and previous goals, see our previous story here.

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