Real defender off to Benfica

Portuguese heavyweights Benfica believe that they have won the battle to sign Real Madrid central defender Julio Cesar.

Rumours are circulating Portugal that the player has made a verbal agreement with Benfica chairman Manuel Vilarinho, effectively giving the brush-off to foreign outfits Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur who have all put in offers for the player.

Julio Cesar had said on several occasions that he wants to be given another chance at the Bernabeu, but the Madrilenos are eager to balance their books by selling excess squad members before the new season kicks off.

The Spanish club stand to receive around £3.5 million for Julio Cesar, who joined the club from Valladolid in 1999.

Benfica chief Vilarinho also plans to add Real duo Elvir Balic and Samuel Eto'o to his squad during the summer transfer movements.