SSC Napoli have signed Brazilian international centre-back Henrique from SE Palmeiras for an undisclosed fee on a contract until 2017.

The 27-year-old defender has four Brazil caps to his name and can also play in midfield. Henrique has experience of European football having joined FC Barcelona in 2008 before spending time on loan at Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Real Racing Club prior to returning to Brazil with Palmeiras.

Third in Serie A, Rafael Benítez's side take on Swansea City AFC in the UEFA Europa League round of 32, with the first leg in Wales on 20 February.