ROME (AFP) - Fiorentina announced the signing of Portugal-born French defender Manuel Da Costa from PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday for an initial fee of 4.5 million euros.

The 21-year-old is due to arrive in Italy on Wednesday to take a medical and could come into contention for the Viola's clash against AC Milan on Sunday.

He will be officially presented as a Fiorentina player on Friday at the club's Franchi stadium.

Da Costa was thought also to be a target for Serie A giants Inter Milan and Juventus.

"We've been following him for two years, he's a very interesting player, with character and a great physique," said Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli.

"Importantly he is of the right age and it's a great signing for us."

Fiorentina, who currently sit fourth in the Serie A table, have become known for being a team of young, talented players with great potential.

They had a great season last time out, overturning a 15-point penalty for match-fixing to still qualify for the UEFA Cup - but for their penalty they would be playing in the Champions League this season.

Their aim is to finish in the top four and be included in Europe's premier club competition next season, but they will have to fight off a twin challenge from AC Milan and Udinese to do so.

Palermo, meanwhile, completed the signing Tuesday of Brazilian striker Tulio De Melo from French side Le Mans on a four-year deal effective from season's end.

The 23-year-old arrived in 2005 at Le Mans from Danish side Aalborg after starting out with Atletico Minero.