Real Madrid reach agreement with Benfica's Luisao

[Pennywise]

Real Madrid have struck an agreement with Benfica defender Luisao, but won't bring the Brazilian international to Spain next season.

Luisao doesn't have an EU passport and Real coach Jose Antonio Camacho is reluctant to complicate his squad plans.

Instead, Real plan to sign Luisao and then immediately loan him back to Benfica for the next six months. In the meantime, Roberto Carlos will seek his own EU passport, which will be granted to him by February.

Benfica are happy with the proposal, though would prefer to keep Luisao for the full campaign next season.

[Pennywise]

Panathinaikos fullback Yourkas Seitaridis has attracted the interest of Real Madrid at this month's Euro2004.

The Greek international's performances have caught the eye of Real scouts, with the Madrid club aware that he is still to complete a proposed £2.5 million move to European champs Porto.

Real coach Jose Antonio Camacho watched Seitaridis in action against Spain during the week and is considering the right-back as an understudy to Michel Salgado.

Along with Porto and Real, Seitaridis is also being followed closely by Newcastle chief scout Charlie Woods in Portugal this month.


- Good backup for Salgado or Hughes.

[The Rule]

Luisao won't be happening now, Carvalho is number 1 target.

Seitaridis will be going to Porto