Saviola fancies Benfica loan

Real bench-warmer wants loan move to Portuguese giants

By Luis Mira   Last updated: 25th June 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Saviola fancies Benfica loan

Saviola: Could leave Real

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Javier Saviola's agent Diego Queiruga has revealed that the striker is interested in a loan move to Benfica as he looks to rejuvenate his stuttering career.

The 27-year-old has struggled to break into the Real Madrid first-team ever since he completed his free transfer from rivals Barcelona in 2007.

Two reasonably successful season-long loan spells at Monaco and Sevilla failed to improve the Argentine's standing at Real as he slipped into the shadows at the Bernabeu.

Finally, after just 16 league starts during his two-year stay in the Spanish capital, Saviola seems to be ready to get his career back on track and rediscover the form which made him a wanted man around Europe while at River Plate.

"Yes, yes, Benfica are negotiating with us and Real Madrid," Queiruga told Record.

"We are addressing the matter together and thinking about what is best for the player and for both clubs.

Surplus to requirements

"Javier is not part of Real's plans and Benfica are a club that appeal to him. We are negotiating a loan deal that can please all."

Queiruga highlights that Saviola is keen to join a smaller club so as to guarantee a regular first-team spot after a sustained period warming the bench at Real.

"Javier's intention is to feel useful in football again and to be able to show all his qualities, which delighted Europe when he was at River Plate," he added.

"Benfica could be the ideal club for his rebirth."

Saviola was set to join the Lisbon club last summer but the deal broke down when the Portuguese giants failed to match the front-man's wages.

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