Dudic signs for Benfica

Ivan Dudic: Bound for Portugal

Yugoslav defender Ivan Dudic, who is aiming for a place in his country's Euro 2000 squad, has signed for Benfica.

Benfica, who finished a disappointing third in the Portuguese league this season, have made him their first new signing for next season.

The five-year deal was announced by Benfica's president Joao Vale e Azevedo.

Dudic, who has been named in Vujadin Boskov's provisional 25-man squad, joins Benfica from Yugoslav champions Red Star Belgrade.

The 23-year-old right-back has been a first-team regular at Red Star for three years and has been capped once by the Yugoslav national team.

Dudic was also a member of the Yugoslav side who were beaten 3-0 by England in a play-off for a place at the Under-21 European Championship.