Javier Saviola profile

Barcelona's Javier Saviola will add depth to Argentina's attacking options at this summer's World Cup.

The in-form striker spent last season on loan to Uefa Cup winners Sevilla, where he earned a regular starting place - in stark contrast to his time at Barca.

"I am happy for being in Sevilla and I feel much more comfortable because it is more like Argentina than Barcelona."
Saviola

Both Saviola and Sevilla are hopeful of agreeing a permanent deal for the player nicknamed El Conejo (The Rabbit) and Barca's embarrassment of attacking riches means the Catalans are unlikely to block a move.

A diminutive striker, who despite his slight frame can more than hold his own in physical battles, can create almost as many goals as he scores and, after making his debut for River Plate at the age of 16, he quickly forged a name for himself as one of the hottest talents in world football.

In 1999 he was named South American Footballer of the Year but a move to Barcelona in 2001 failed to reap the desired rewards, for player or club.

In two seasons at Camp Nou Saviola was unable to sufficiently impress either Louis van Gaal or Frank Rijkaard, despite a more than respectable goal return of 30 goals in 68 league appearances.

A successful loan move to Monaco followed in 2004 but he returned to Barca last year with his future still unresolved.

After protracted transfer negotiations Sevilla, who were on the look-out for a replacement for the Real Madrid-bound Julio Baptista, finally landed the player on a season-long loan.

Under former Albicelestes coach Marcelo Bielsa, Saviola took a back-seat at international level but, after Bielsa's resignation in 2004, Jose Pekerman gave Saviola a new lease of life.

A close friend of fellow River graduate Pablo Aimar, Saviola will be hoping, much like his ally, to reimerge on the world stage and star at Germany 2006.