Benfica winger Angel di Maria has told his teammates he is joining Real Madrid. Di Maria's agent Jorge Mendes held talks with Real GM Jorge Valdano in Madrid last week and Di Maria, according to Spanish sources, has already informed his Benfica teammates: "Boys, next season I will play for Real Madrid."

A cash-plus-players swap deal is being proposed, which is expected to see Ezequiel Garay and Royston Drenthe move in the opposite direction. Benfica already count on former Real players Javi Garcia and Javier Saviola.

An agreement could be struck before Friday.