Silvestre De Sousa has signed an agreement to become part of Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation.

Linked in recent days with the Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum job soon to be vacated by Richard Hills, De Sousa will be riding alongside Frankie Dettori in the royal blue colours.

De Sousa finished runner-up to champion jockey Paul Hanagan last year and struck up a great partnership with Middleham trainer Mark Johnston, who trains a large string for Sheikh Mohammed's son, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Born in Brazil, De Sousa is currently based in Yorkshire but will be relocate to Newmarket.

"We now have a formal arrangement in place with Silvestre and we are delighted that he will be riding for our stable this year," said Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford.

"He made a great impression when he was with Mark Johnston last season and he has enjoyed a lot of success at this year's Carnival.

"He will be a big asset to our team and we are very much looking forward to a successful association."

De Sousa added: "It is a fantastic opportunity for me to be riding for the Godolphin team and I am really looking forward to the European season ahead," he told www.godolphin.com.