Monday, January 26, 2009

Real Madrid star Javier Saviola to join Portsmouth on loan


By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 6:01 PM on 26th January 2009

Argentine international Javier Saviola is set to join Portsmouth on loan.

Saviola has snubbed offers from Newcastle and Everton after being persuaded by boss Tony Adams to help out the south coast club in their relegation fight.

The 27-year-old will watch Portsmouth's Premier League home game with Aston Villa from the Fratton Park stands before sealing a six-month deal.

Saviola becomes Portsmouth's sixth signing of the January window and follows the captures of West Ham midfielder Hayden Mullins and Porto youngster Pele.

Manager Adams, who admits looking at 150 players, said: 'I would still like a midfielder and a striker and hopefully we can get them in this week. We need some bodies.

'We have a budget here. I do not have £40 million pounds to spend and most of my work will be done in the summer.'

Mullins, 29, has signed a three-and-a-half year contract after Portsmouth agreed a £1 million pounds fee with West Ham.

Attacking midfielder Pele, 19, joins on a six-month loan.

Former Barcelona and River Plate striker Saviola, nicknamed the little Rabbit, has scored 12 goals in 44 games for Argentina but has made only 16 appearances since joining Madrid in 2007.

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