By BRIAN LEWIS

With the transfer window opening July 15, Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio has been on a South American shopping spree that looks like Paramus at Christmas. He unveiled two players Wednesday, and has two more squarely in his sights.

After signing Argentine defensive midfielder Juan Martin Pietravallo and Venezuelan attacking midfielder Jorge Rojas _ whose acquisition was first reported by the Post _ now Osorio is hoping to add a long-sought left-footed central defender and a forward to replace the transferred Jozy Altidore.

“Jorge is a very versatile player,’’ Osorio said. “He can play in a 4-4-2 as a left-sided wide midfielder, he can play in a 4-3-3 as an offensive midfielder, he can play in a 4-4-2 in a diamond as a creative midfielder and in the national team, he has played as a left back, which I prefer not to play him at.

“But he’s a player that offers very good quality on the ball, his passing range

is second to none and he’s very good on set plays. I think he will be very

important to our club.’’

The 31-year-old Rojas has captained the Venezuelan National Team and is the second-most capped player in his country’s history. He won four league titles in his native country and another in Colombia, ands now has set his sights on leading the Red Bulls to the first MLS Cup in their history.

“I have the confidence and trust of the coaching staff,’’ Rojas said, “and I wanted to come here and contribute and hopefully help win some titles for this club.’’

Rojas and Pietravallo are awaiting league approval and p-1 visas, but should be able to make their debuts on July 19 when the Red Bulls host a high-profile game at Giants Stadium against David Beckham, Landon Donovan and the high-scoring L.A. Galaxy.

“When I look at the need for our club to find an anchorman or defensive

midfielder, I think I chose the right place to go, which is Argentina,’’ Osorio said. “If you follow futbol, you know that they call that type of player number 5. There’s two types of number 5’s, one is a guy that breaks the play, that regains possession and distributes the ball and Juan fills into that

category.’’

The 26-year-old Pietravallo said MLS’ growing profile in his native Argentina, as well as Osorio’s sales pitch, played a role in his decision. That, and a chance to live in New York.

“I met with Coach Osorio in Argentina. I liked the way he approached me, the way he wants to do things here,’’ said Pietravallo. “I also agree with Jorge that this is the biggest club in MLS, the biggest city in the world and there’s no bigger challenge than that. I want to come here and contribute to win something for this club.’’