LONDON – Manchester United fans will be in for a treat when Brazilian Anderson joins a star-studded midfield at Old Trafford, according to Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa.

The English champions have agreed deals “in principle” to sign 19-year-old Anderson and winger Nani from Porto and Sporting Lisbon respectively, with Owen Hargreaves’ arrival from Bayern Munich also imminent.

And Pinto da Costa believes that once Anderson gets used to the rough and ready nature of the Premiership – and gets over the psychological scar left by a serious knee injury inflicted by Benfica’s Kostas Katsouranis last season – he will fully blossom into a star of global football.

Pinto da Costa lamented the injury which left Anderson sidelined for much of the season but said: “I wish him happiness at Manchester United, he will have a great career there.

“If he had stayed in Portugal we could not guarantee a similar challenge would never have happened again,” he said, referring to the Katsouranis tackle.

“I am convinced it will not happen in the Premiership. English football is tough but not wicked.”

Anderson joined Porto in January 2006 from Brazilian side Gremio, and has gone on to help the club win back-to-back SuperLiga titles.

Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz believes Anderson and Nani will combine with the club’s already blossoming youngsters to form the basis of the Red Devils’ future generation.

“It is a significant investment in Manchester United’s prospects for the next 10 years,” Queiroz told TVI television channel.

“It’s worth imagining a forward line with (Wayne) Rooney, (Cristiano) Ronaldo, Anderson and Nani, these are players with enormous creativity.

“It’s an attraction being able to develop their abilities. I have worked with young players many times and their potential is impressive.

“These signings mean the end of a long observation process. They are players who correspond to the club’s intentions. They are young and have plenty of potential and talent.”

Hargreaves will complete his 17 million pounds (34 million dollars) move to United on July 1.

The England international’s exit from Bayern Munich was confirmed by Franz Beckenbauer three weeks ago, since when Hargreaves’ arrival at Old Trafford was viewed as inevitable.

Pictured at the Red Devils’ Carrington training ground last week, the 26-year-old flew out to his native Canada on Tuesday, leading to speculation he would finally sign a five-year contract at some point over the next seven days.

However, a combined statement from United and Bayern revealed all the elements of the deal have now been concluded, with Hargreaves putting pen to paper when he returns from holiday at the end of June.

“Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with FC Bayern Munchen for the transfer of Owen Hargreaves,” said the statement.

“The player has also agreed terms with the club and passed his medical.

Owen will formally sign his contract with Manchester United when he returns from his holiday at the end of June and will join on July 1, 2007.”