KUALA LUMPUR: Newly-promoted Kuala Lumpur have identified Brazilian attacking midfielder Everton Heleno to fill one of their foreign quotas as they prepare to return to the Super League next season.
Heleno will replace Argentine midfielder Nicolas Dul, who has not been retained while Malian Modibo Konte, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Perlis, has also left.
KL coach Fabio Maciel likened 26-year-old Heleno, currently with Brazilian Serie A side Atletico Goianiense, to Barcelona's Paulinho.
"We are bringing in a player from Brazil and he is a fantastic offensive midfielder, his style of play is like Paulinho," said Maciel, who guided KL to the Premier League title after taking over as coach in April.
"Heleno can defend and score and will be a good addition to the team. Together with some new local players I think we will have a good team to compete in the Super League next season."
Striker Guilherme De Paula has extended his contract after scoring a staggering 30 goals in all competitions while midfielder Paulo Josue is also staying on.
KL are in talks with Uzbek defender Boburjon Akbarov to extend his contract after releasing four local players.
Goalkeeper Remezey Che Ros, defender Naufal Naim Tony Rosdin, midfielder Syazmin Firdaus Aminuddin and forward Arif Anwar join Dul and Modibo through the exit door.
KL have signed left-back Fitri Omar from Kedah to strengthen their defence and are also negotiating with Australia-born midfielder Brendan Gan.
"Dul did a good job this season but I would like to have a more aggressive and offensive player in the team," added Maciel.
KL edged Terengganu on goal difference to the Premier League title on the final day of the season to end a 17-year trophy drought and a five-year absence from the top flight.