Norwich City chief Alex Neil confirmed on Friday afternoon he expects to complete a permanent deal for Benfica striker Nelson Oliveira.

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The 25-year-old Portuguese international travelled to England earlier this week to finalise a move and undergo his medical. Neil revealed Saturday's Championship trip to Birmingham will come too soon for Oliveira, but the Scot is in no doubt the ex-Nottingham Forest and Swansea City loan hitman will bolster the Canaries' promotion push.

'We are hoping to complete it in the next day or two. A permanent deal, not a loan. I doubt it will get done and completed by Birmingham. It is three-quarters done, most of the bits and bobs are done,' said Neil, speaking at Colney on Friday afternoon. 'He is technically very, very good. He scored nine goals in 24 starts for Forest, he has played for Benfica and the Portugal national side and as a number nine he is pretty much an all-rounder. He can take it in, run in behind, he can score goals and create them and at 25 he is a great age and we hope these next few years at Norwich will be his best and his most important which is normally the case.

'He has all the scope that would improve us. He is one of many we have looked at. Numerous strikers have been put to us but we have certain criteria we deem helps us and how we play. His attributes are what I look for in a number nine. His strength is not a big targetman who will knock things on but he has really good technique. He is strong physically.'