Argentine striker Martin Palermo is to sign for Real Betis, 24 hours after being released from his contract by Villarreal. The 29-year-old former international underwent a medical on Thursday and is scheduled to be presented to the media later in the day.

Betis coach Victor Fernandez said he was delighted with the forward's arrival.

"Betis don't have a player with his characteristics," Fernandez told reporters. "He is a constant presence in the area, is great in the air, he's aggressive and doesn't shy away from contact."

Palermo joined Villarreal for $8.5 million from Boca Juniors midway though the 2000-01 season after hitting the headlines by scoring both goals in his side's 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the World Club Cup final.

He scored six goals over the remainder of the campaign but his progress was hampered the following season when he broke his ankle in a freak incident when a wall collapsed on his foot during a King's Cup match against Levante.

He was sidelined for four months as a result of the injury and was limited to five league goals in the season.

Last term he failed to find his best form and the signings of Spanish forward Jose Mari and Brazilian striker Sonny Anderson effectively forced him to leave the club.

Betis have been on the lookout for a new striker since young forward Dani tore his ankle ligaments in a pre-season friendly at the beginning of August.

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