Aimar looks Benfica bound

Argentinian playmaker heading to Portugal in £6 million deal

Last updated: 16th July 2008

Aimar looks Benfica bound

Aimar: Benfica bound

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Newcastle and Everton target Pablo Aimar is set to join Benfica instead.

The Argentine playmaker is close to signing a three-year deal with the Portuguese giants, who will pay his current club Real Zaragoza about £6 million to secure his services.

Benfica have been chasing the 28-year-old after he announced he wanted to leave Zaragoza following their relegation.

But the delay between the clubs in reaching an agreement reportedly alerted the Magpies and Toffees.

But it now seems his transfer to Portugal is all but complete, with Zaragoza communications director Luis Sol telling website www.maisfutebol.iol.pt: "He is about to sign a contract with Benfica.

Sorted out

"Between Zaragoza and Benfica everything is sorted out. The doors are open for Aimar to become Benfica player.

"At around 6.30pm Aimar was in Soria with his team-mates, but he received a phone call and travelled to Zaragoza.

"The only information we have is that between both clubs, everything is resolved. This is the reason he went to meet the Benfica board.

"He might travel to Lisbon (tonight) with (Benfica sporting director) Rui Costa."