Crystal Palace will host famed Brazilian club Botafogo on Saturday ahead of an unlikely partnership between the two clubs.
A delegation from the Rio-based team have arrived in England to embark on a fact-finding mission during which they will visit Palace’s acclaimed new £20million academy, that was opened in September, and examine the inner workings of head coach Patrick Vieira’s first-team set-up.
The visit, which is being overseen by Selhurst Park sporting director Dougie Freedman, starts in earnest on Friday and will also take in Saturday's Premier League clash against Chelsea.
Moving forward the trip will establish firm connections between the two clubs which is set to herald the start of a long-term collaboration, which in the future could see the Brazilian side's best talent arriving at Palace.
The Brazilian club’s promotion back into the top-flight last season would help ensure players meet the FA’s stringent work permit regulations.
Botafogo are steeped in Brazilian football tradition and list legends Garrincha, Jairzinho and Bebeto as former players.
The South American side are owned by American businessman John Textor, who is also one of the co-owners at Palace.
Between them, Textor and fellow Palace co-owner Dan Blitzer also have stakes in Belgian sides Molenbeek and Beveren - as well as Ausburg, Alcorcon and Real Salt Lake.
