Rodrigo makes Valencia move permanent

Madrid - Spanish international striker Rodrigo has joined Valencia on a permanent basis after spending last season on loan at the Mestalla from Benfica.

Valencia confirmed on Monday that the Brazil-born forward had signed a deal through to 2019, with Spanish press reports putting the fee at 30 million euros ($33.6m).

The 24-year-old scored three goals in 31 appearances last season for Valencia, who finished fourth in La Liga to qualify for the Champions League play-offs.

He won his first cap for Spain in a Euro 2016 qualifier against Luxembourg in the autumn.

Rodrigo is Valencia's third signing of the summer after they made Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes's loan from Benfica permanent and signed Brazilian midfielder Rodrigo Caio from Sao Paulo.