Parma have announced they've secured Le Mans striker Tulio de Melo to a pre-contract agreement.

Parma released an official statement last night confirming they have "deposited a preliminary contract with the Lega on Thursday January 17 at 17.10."

The claims came after Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini declared the Brazilian was theirs.

"De Melo is ours, while sporting director Rino Foschi is thinking about any other deals," Zamparini insisted.

The deal is sure to be headed for a FIFA tribunal.