Real Madrid offload striker Saviola to Benfica

Real Madrid have agreed to sell out-of-favour striker Javier Saviola to Benfica for 5 million euros ($7 million), the two clubs said on Friday.

Argentine Saviola, 27, who has barely featured for Real in the past two seasons since joining from Barcelona, has signed a three-year deal with an option for a further season, the Portuguese club said on their website (www.slbenfica.pt).