Genoa have completed the signing of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso.

The 24-year-old has been the subject of transfer speculation during every transfer window for the past several seasons, and found himself linked with some of the top clubs in Europe including several in England.

Sporting resisted each time, but have now agreed a deal that will see Alberto Zapater move in the opposite direction.

"Sporting have reached an agreement in principle with Genoa for the transfer of Miguel Veloso and the acquisition of Alberto Zapater, with the consent of both players," a statement from Sporting said.

Veloso has 14 caps for Portugal, and made two appearances at the World Cup in South Africa this summer.