Norwich City are set to utilise their partnership with Coritiba by signing highly-rated young defender Thalisson Gabriel, according to reports in Brazil. 

The Canaries formalised a growing relationship with the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A side in June with the partnership spanning areas such as the football, recruitment, performance, data, analysis and communication departments.

As part of the agreement, four of the Brazilian clubs' youngsters arrived in Norfolk to undergo a period of training with the club's under-23s earlier this season. 

That cohort included Thalisson, who has reportedly done enough to convince Norwich to strike a permanent deal to bring him to England. 

Globo Esporte are reporting that Coritibia have agreed to sell the defender to Norwich on a permanent basis following negotiations in recent weeks. The report states the deal includes a 'significant sell-on clause' and performance-related bonuses. 

Brazilian journalist Rogerio Scarione is suggesting that the clubs have agreed a fee of R$4 million, which converts to around £650,000. 

He was a key part of the Coritiba youth side which last month won the U20 Paranaense Championship. The youngster had interest from Brazilian giants Fluminense and Spanish club Espanyol - but it appears Norwich have won the race for his signature.

The 20-year-old began his career at Brazilian side Gremio, as well as enjoying spells at Rio Grande do Sul and Coxa before signing for Coritiba. 

Thialisson made two appearances in the Campeonato Paranaense this season, but didn't feature in their league campaign. 

Norwich have stepped up their scouting work in South America following the Brexit vote in 2016, meaning regulations have made it easier to sign players from that particular region. 

The club have employed two scouts, one based in Brazil, alongside forming this relationship with Coritiba.

In the past, signing players from South America has proven difficult as players would often have to move outside the UK first, with Emi Buendia being a prime example of this. 

That is no longer the case with Norwich signing midfielder Gabriel Sara from Sao Paulo as part of their summer business as well as Chilean international Marcelino Nunez. 

Any deal to bring him to Carrow Road will be subject to a work permit.