Pablo Aimar is set to turn his back on interest from Newcastle and Everton to join Benfica after they agreed a fee with Real Zaragoza.The 28-year-old announced his intention to leave the Spanish side soon after they were relegated, with Lisbon giants Benfica instantly showing their interest in the player.

The delay in the clubs reaching an agreement had reportedly attracted the attention of both the Magpies and the Toffees, but now it seems the transfer to Portugal is all but completed.

Zaragoza communications director Luis Sol told Portuguese website www.maisfutebol.iol.pt: "He is about to sign a contract with Benfica.

"Between Zaragoza and Benfica everything is sorted out. The doors are open for Aimar to become Benfica player.

"At around 6.30pm Aimar was in Soria with his team-mates, but he received a phone call and travelled to Zaragoza.

"The only information we have is that between both clubs, everything is resolved. This is the reason he went to meet the Benfica board.

"He might travel to Lisbon (on Wednesday night) with (Benfica sporting director) Rui Costa.

Reports in Portugal suggest that Aimar will be offered a three-year contract, and the Lisbon-based club will pay Zaragoza around 7.5million euros.

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