Benfica could offload Saviola

Benfica are reportedly looking to cash in on striker Javier Saviola in the January transfer window.

The Argentina international has been linked with the exit door at the Estadio da Luz after finding himself behind Oscar Cardozo and Rodrigo in the club’s pecking order.

Benfica have the option to extend Saviola’s contract, which expires at the end of the season, by one year.

But with the Argentine having so far made just nine starting appearances this season, Record have reported they want to part company with the 29-year-old in January to prevent losing him for free in the off-season.

Villarreal have been suggested as an interested party, as the La Liga outfit are in the market for a replacement for Giuseppe Rossi, who will be sidelined for six months with a knee ligament injury.

Saviola, who joined Benfica from Real Madrid in 2009 for 5 million euros, has scored 36 goals in 104 appearances for the club.