Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 10y

Brillante close to Fiorentina switch

Australian midfielder Josh Brillante is set to join Serie A side Fiorentina after a transfer fee was agreed between the Italian club and the 21-year-old's current employers Newcastle Jets.

The A-League club on Friday announced that Brillante, who was part of the Socceroos' preliminary squad for the World Cup, will travel to Florence at the weekend to discuss terms with the Viola.

"I'm very excited to be joining Fiorentina and I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead," Brillante said on the Jets' website. "I've had an amazing couple of years at the Jets and I'm very thankful that I came to a club like Newcastle who develop young players and give them an opportunity.

"Having the chance to play regular first team football has helped my game improve a lot and it is a big reason why I've been able to achieve things like playing for the Australian national team. The Jets' members have been fantastic over the past couple of years and I'd just like to thank them for their support.

"Newcastle will always be a part of me now and I'll be keeping an eye on the Jets and hope the club does well in the future."

Brillante will become Fiorentina's first signing this summer, filling a void left by the departure of Massimo Ambrosini, whose contract was not renewed.

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