Benfica replace Ricardo Rocha

'Golden opportunity'
The UEFA Cup contenders have moved quickly to replace the Portuguese international, who joined Tottenham Hotspur FC last week, by signing the EC Vitória centre-back on a six-month deal. "This is a golden opportunity for me as there are lots of players would love to play for a club as great as Benfica," said the Brazilian Under-20 international, who will wear the No23 shirt in Lisbon. "I will work very hard to help my team-mates and try to earn a first-team place."

'Important buy'
Benfica have the option to make the deal permanent in the summer and club president Luís Filipe Vieira expressed his hope that the 19-year-old would earn himself a new deal. "I hope David proves his worth so that he stays longer than six months. His is an important buy for Benfica as he is a young player and we needed to readjust the team after the departure of Ricardo Rocha." The Eagles also confirmed that 18-year-old Chinese striker Yu Dabao will train with the club's youth teams until May before stepping up on a three-year contract.