Nuno Assis in Benfica switch

SL Benfica will unveil their latest signing on Monday after clinching a deal for the Vitória SC attacking midfield player Nuno Assis, with a little help from FC Dinamo Moskva.

Groomed at Sporting
The 27-year-old was present at the Estádio da Luz on Saturday night as Benfica lost 2-0 at home against SC Beira-Mar and will hope to make his debut when the Eagles play Moreirense FC next weekend. A product of another Lisbon club, Sporting Clube de Portugal, Nuno Assis went on to play for Lourinhanense, FC Alverca and Gil Vicente FC before joining Vitória in 2001.

'Wonderful times'
"I'm delighted to join Benfica," he said. "It's extremely satisfying for me to represent one of Portugal's greatest clubs. I enjoyed some wonderful times with Vitória and it will always be a special club to me, but now I’m going to Benfica where I intend to help the team win some trophies – starting this year."

Strong links
The transfer fee was undisclosed, but reports in Portugal suggest €600,000 was paid to Vitória by Dinamo Moskva, who in turn loaned Nuno Assis to Benfica. Dinamo have strong recent links with the SuperLiga having recently signed Nuno Frechaut, Danny, Derlei, Cícero and Thiago from Portuguese football. Benfica face CSKA Moskva in the UEFA Cup's Round of 32.