Leicester City have beaten off competition from four Premiership clubs to capture Iranian international winger Hossein Kaebi.
The 21-year-old joins the Foxes from Iranian side Persepolis FC for an undisclosed fee, and has signed a two-year-contract with the club.
Kaebi, who as an 18-year-old was named in World Soccer Magazine's top 10 most promising players, followed through his initial promise with some impressive performances for his country in the 2006 World Cup.
Kaebi broke on to the international scene at the tender age of 16, and has gone on to gather an impressive 50 caps for his country to date.
Described as a right-back with an abundance of pace, Kaebi's transfer to the Foxes is sure to raise more than a few eyebrows in the football world, and makes a bold statement to back both Milan Mandaric and Martin Allen's quest to bring Premiership football back to the Walkers Stadium.
City boss Allen said: "This is a very important signing. He is someone that the Chairman made me aware of soon after I arrived.
"Obviously, from where I have been before I haven't got much knowledge (of Iranian football). However, after listening to recommendations and watching DVDs of him playing in the World Cup it was quite clear that he is a very good player.
"While I was away on holiday we thought the deal had gone dead because there has been Premiership interest. But I had an agreement with him before I went away that he would definitely come here. He went to play a warm up game ahead of the Asian Cup, and this was the first window of opportunity for him to come.
"When he played the other day against Jamaica he was voted man of the match. Of course, the Premier League scouts were there watching, so for the past couple of days it has been a question of getting him quietly into the country and bringing him up from Heathrow airport without anybody else hijacking the deal.
"It's a relief that we have got him."
Chairman and owner Milan Mandaric added: "We are thrilled to bring a player of Hossein's calibre to Leicester City.
"This is a very exciting signing for this football club. Hossein is a young man with exceptional talent and I am sure he will prove to be a big hit with our supporters."
Kaebi's footballing CV includes spells at Foolad FC, Al-Sadd and Emirates. He joined Persepolis FC in February this year.
Iran are currently ranked 47th in the world according to the latest FIFA rankings. Kaebi was recently named in his countries international squad for the upcoming Asian Cup, which takes place later this month - where he could come up against City and Australia defender Patrick Kisnorbo.
