Real Madrid have signed Sao Paulo's Brazilian right back Cicinho on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee, the Spanish club said.

The Brazilian international will link up with his new teammates on the 29th of December after they return from the Christmas break, Real added in a statement posted on their official website on Friday.

Although no financial details have been revealed, reports in Spanish media claim that Cicinho joined Real Madrid for four million Euros ($4.75 million).

The 25-year-old joins the Brazilian contingent at the Santiago Bernabeu which includes Julio Baptista, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Robinho.

Cicinho has been Real's potential target since last season and he is seen as the answer to the Royal Club defensive problems especially in the right-back spot, occupied by the 30-year-old Michel Salgado.

He will not occupy one of the three non-European berths permitted in Real as he already has an Italian passport.

Widely regarded as Cafu's successor, Cicinho was a member of Brazil's squad which lifted the FIFA Confederations Cup trophy last summer.

He also won the FIFA Club World Championship with Sao Paulo after beating English giants Liverpool 1-0 in the competition's final.