Real's Júlio Baptista reportedly signs with Roma

According to Spanish newspapers As and Marca, AS Roma has completed its purchase of Júlio Baptista, with the Italian club paying Real Madrid $19.3 million for the Brazilian striker, plus extra bonuses for its participation in the Champions League.

After failing in its attempt to snap up Fiorentina's Adrian Mutu, Roma has been engrossed in negotiations for the past week or so for the Real benchwarmer. The Giallorossi have been desperately searching for an attacker all summer, following the sale of Amantino Mancini to Inter.

On Wednesday evening, a delegation of Roma directors -- including Daniel Prade, Cristina Mazzoleni and Bruno Conti -- traveled to Madrid with the objective of finally closing the deal for Baptista.

"It's all done," super agent and transfer middleman Ernesto Bronzetti told Calciomercato.it. "The reports in the Spanish press are true, even if the figures are a little wrong. Júlio Baptista is a Roma player."

Baptista has reportedly agreed a four year contract worth around $4.1 million a season plus bonuses. The 26-year-old will fly to Rome , before being officially presented as a Giallorossi player this weekend.