NORWICH City have completed the signing of Portugal international Nelson Oliveira from Benfica on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, subject to approval from the relevant football authorities.

The 25-year-old striker moves to Carrow Road having spent last season on loan at Sky Bet Championship side Nottingham Forest, where he netted nine times in 24 league starts.

He came through the youth system at Benfica, making his debut for the club in October 2011 before scoring in his first Champions League appearance the following March against Zenit St Petersburg.

During his time with the Lisbon outfit, Oliveira had spells on loan to six different clubs, including Forest and Premier League side Swansea City.

He has made 16 senior appearances for his country to date and was part of the Portugal squad that came third at Euro 2012, missing out on selection for this summer’s tournament due to injury.

Speaking exclusively to canaries.co.uk after completing his move, Oliveira said: "I am very happy and feel very excited about scoring in our great stadium.

"I spoke to Ivo [Pinto] and he told me great things about the yellow fans. He’s a nice guy who I know from Portugal Under-19s and Under-21s so that makes it easier for me.

"It’s a good opportunity to show my ability at a great club that trusts in me. I can promise that I will work hard and do my best to help the team."

City boss Alex Neil added: "It’s a great signing for us because he’s a very good player technically.

"He’ll be a creator of goals as well as a scorer of them. Having been at Benfica, there’s no questioning his quality and he’s played with some top players.

"Nelson now needs to go somewhere and establish himself and this is the perfect place for him to do that."

Chief Executive Jez Moxey commented: "We’re delighted to have concluded this deal to bring Nelson Oliveira to Norwich City.

"It’s a substantial deal for a quality striker who will significantly strengthen our attacking options as we strive towards a successful season - but in an environment where vastly inflated transfer fees and other costs are being quoted and paid for players, especially strikers, we also believe this is a shrewd and sensible transfer for our Club at this time."

NELSON OLIVEIRA JOINS NORWICH CITY

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