OFFICIAL: Benfica Sign Real Madrid's Javier Saviola

Benfica have confirmed the signing of Argentine forward Javier Saviola, paying Real Madrid a total of €5m for his services.

The Rabbit had been linked with a loan move to the Estadio da Luz but Benfica have instead opted to make this a permanent move.

The Eagles have released a statement to the Portuguese stock market to confirm the signing of Saviola, as well as the fee.

The 27-year-old will fly to Lisbon in the next few days and will sign a three-year contract upon passing a medical with the club.

Saviola will now reunite with Pablo Aimar, with whom he enjoyed great success during their time at River Plate.

El Conejito is hoping that this new challenge will put his career back on track after failing to impress at Real Madrid during his two-year stint.

After arriving in the Spanish capital on a free transfer from Barcelona, Saviola spent most of his time on the bench under Bernd Schuster before heading to the stands under Juande Ramos.