Rio de Janeiro, Sep 24 (IANS): Former Real Madrid and Brazil coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo has agreed to coach Chinese second-tier outfit Tianjin Songjiang, according to media reports on Thursday.

The 63-year-old will take charge of the club in January on an initial 12-month contract with the option of a second year, reports Xinhua.

"Vanderlei will be the manager and participate in decisions like the modernisation of the club's stadium and the hiring of staff," a statement said on Thursday.

Luxemburgo is also expected to take his own backroom staff.

Tianjin Songjiang are currently 11th in the standings and, with only four matches remaining in the season, have no chance of promotion to China's top division.

Defending Brazilian Serie A champions Cruzeiro sacked Luxemburgo earlier this month, four months after he was also dismissed by Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo.

Luxemburgo coached Brazil from 1998 to 2000 and had a 11-month spell as boss of Real Madrid in 2005.

He is the most successful manager in the history of Brazil's Serie A championship with five league titles.