Aimar close to Benfica deal

According to latest reports emanating from Portugal, Argentine international Pablo Aimar is close to a move to Portuguese giants Benfica.

Aimar signed for Real Zaragoza in the summer of 2005 from Valencia and developed into one of the most vital players for the club.

But the tricky Argentine international missed major chunks of last season in La Liga as Zaragoza got relegated to the Spanish Segunda Division.

Aimar is one of the highest earners at the club and Zaragoza are desperate Aimar to trim their expenses. Benfica have virtually made the deal confirmed as their sporting director, the legendary Rui Costa, is in Madrid to wrap up the deal.

Zaragoza shall be paid 7.5 million euros for Aimar by Benfica, who plan to officially unveil the player next week.