Málaga bank on Saviola experience

UEFA Champions League debutants Málaga CF can count on the services of forward Javier Saviola after the former Argentinian international reached an agreement to rescind his contract with SL Benfica.

It has been a summer of high-profile departures from La Rosaleda – including Santi Cazorla, José Rondón and the retired Ruud van Nistelrooy – leaving coach Manuel Pellegrini keen to reinforce his squad. The Andalusian club have moved to strengthen their attack by signing Saviola on a one-year deal.

The 30-year-old scored 24 goals in 69 top-flight appearances in three seasons with Benfica after joining from Real Madrid CF, where he failed to secure a starting place during a two-year stint. Formed at CA River Plate, Saviola was first brought to Europe by FC Barcelona and amassed 49 goals in 123 Liga outings during two spells at Camp Nou, between which he played on loan at AS Monaco and Sevilla FC.

A scorer of 11 goals in 40 internationals for Argentina, Saviola will look to help Málaga through UEFA Champions League Group C following Thursday's draw in Monaco, with the Boquerones due to meet AC Milan, RSC Anderlecht and their matchday one opponents on 18 September, FC Zenit St Petersburg.

Málaga have also confirmed the acquisition of central midfielder Manuel Iturra – a 33-times Chilean international – on a 12-month contract. The 28-year-old, who spent the majority of his career with CF Universidad de Chile, plied his trade in the Spanish second tier with Real Murcia CF last term. He arrives on the Costa del Sol as a free agent.