Manager John Coleman is aiming to bolster his Accrington Stanley squad by recruiting Portuguese central defender Mauro Almeida over the weekend.

The 24-year-old, who is playing for Bulgarian top-flight side Vihren Sandanski, teamed up with the Reds during their mid-season break to Spain.

Mauro Almeida, who was taken on trial by Plymouth last summer, started his career at Portuguese giants FC Porto, although he failed to register a first-team game as his appearances were limited to the club's B team.

He left Porto to join fellow Portuguese outfit CD Estrela Amadora and, last season, was playing regularly for Dutch second division side FC Zwolle.

Coleman is looking to finalise the signing over the next couple of days and believes Mauro Almeida has the abilities to cope to the English game.

"We've been looking at him for a little while and saw a bit of him in Spain," said Coleman.

"He's got good qualities. He's not a small lad and he's got plenty of aggression. I think he could fit in here."

Supporters will get a chance to see Mauro Almeida this morning as the Reds squad train on the pitch at the Fraser Eagle Stadium.