Peterborough United have signed central defender Ricardo Santos on a three-and-a-half year deal.

Peterborough United have secured the signing of Portuguese central defender Ricardo Santos on a three-and-half-year deal.

The powerful teenager comes highly recommended and played in the 3-1 win over St. Neots on Tuesday evening.

The 18-year-old was previously at Thurrock. Ricardo is 6"5 and will will join his new team-mates in training on Thursday. A number of Premier League and Football League clubs were watching his progress.

'I like to think I can bring a physical side to the team, I am 6"5 and I still think I am growing. I am really pleased to be at Peterborough, I know a few of the lads already and the club is very ambitious. I am pleased to be here,' Santos said.

Ferguson commented: 'He came to our attention through the Thurrock manager Mark Stimson, someone we have a good relationship with and he came in and trained with us on Monday. He played against St. Neots and did well. He is a great size, but he has good feet, looks after the ball fine.

'He is one for the future, but one that we know that a lot of clubs were looking at. Potentially, we feel he is a good signing for the football club.'