Alves, who is just 19 years old, has agreed on a contract with the Spanish Primera Liga side until the end of the 2013-2014 season.

Although he has played just nine first division matches in his native Brazil, he is expected to officially take his place in the Valencia squad when the transfer window officially opens on January 1.

The arrival of the player considered in Brazil to be the successor to former Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos, who is now playing in Turkey with Fenerbahce, gives Valencia coach Unai Emery a selection problem.

Valencia already has two left backs in their squad, Emiliano Moretti and Asier del Horno. However both of them have played this season for the club and everything points to it being central defender Ivan Helguera who loses his squad number to accommodate Alves' arrival.

Helguera has not entered into Emery's plans this campaign and a short while ago the pair had a discussion about the veteran defender's attitude in the club.