Spaniard shuns City switch

Celta ace opts for Benfica

By Francisco Acedo   Last updated: 23rd August 2007

oubina borja

Oubina: Set for Benfica

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Benfica have beaten Manchester City to the signing of Spanish international midfielder Borja Oubina, skysports.com understands.

The 25-year-old was a target of a host of clubs following Celta Vigo's relegation and the likes of Villarreal, Real Zaragoza and Atletico Madrid wanted to offer him a route back to the top flight.

However, Oubina has opted for a move to Lisbon where he will link up with Jose Antonio Camacho, who has recently been re-appointed head coach at Benfica.

Deal done

"The agreement is perfect and the kid and his family are very happy," his agent Lito Miguez confirmed to skysports.com.

The news will be a blow to City boss Sven Goran Eriksson, who had hoped to add the impressive Spaniard to his squad.

Despite the arrivals of eight new faces, Eriksson has expressed his desire to add at least another two.

Eriksson's move for Oubina, who will cost Benfica 10million euros (£6.7million), suggests the Swede wants to further enhance his midfield options before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.