Former Birmingham loanee Benitez signs new deal in Mexico

Ecuador striker Christian Benitez has signed a new contract at his Mexican club Santos Laguna.

Striker Benitez, 24, returned to South America this summer after only scoring four goals on loan at Birmingham.

Premier League Brum decided against signing Benitez for a pre-agreed £6.5million.

But both Sunderland and West Ham were interested in taking the forward on loan again this season.

Now those hopes appear slim after Benitez penned a new three-year deal with Santos Laguna.

They could yet send him out on loan in return for a lucrative payment.

But Mirrorsport revealed earlier this summer Benitez twice failed his English test for a new UK work permit.