Bruges set to take Real Madrid's Portillo on season loan

Belgian champions Club Bruges have agreed a deal with Real Madrid to take Spanish striker Javier Portillo on a season-long loan, sporting director Marc Degryse said on Wednesday.

"We hope to unveil Portillo to the press this evening," Degryse, who had just picked up the 23 year-old from the airport in Brussels, told Reuters.

"He will undergo medical tests this afternoon and fill out the necessary paperwork."

"We are signing him for at least one season on loan but if the option arises and he is successful here then we would be interested in signing him on a permanent basis."

Portillo's departure follows Real's 15 million pounds sale of Michael Owen to Newcastle United on Tuesday.

"I am happy to come here and get regular football," Portillo said.

"I have the opportunity to play regular Champions League football and that is what is important."

Bruges, coached by Jan Ceulemans, face Germany's Bayern Munich, Italy's Juventus and Austrian side Rapid Vienna in their Champions League group.

Portillo, like Owen, faced increased competition at the Bernabeu and was well down the pecking order to Ronaldo, Raul, Robinho and Baptista.

Last season he was loaned out to Italian club, Fiorentina.