Barcelona have completed the signing of Argentine forward Javier Saviola from River Plate.

The 19-year-old is reported to have cost the Catalan club �15m in a six-year deal.

Saviola is expected to arrive in Barcelona on Thursday before his unveiling the following day.

One of the hottest talents in Argentine soccer, Saviola was the star of the recent World Youth Championship in Argentina.

He scored 11 goals in a series of superb performances for the tournament winners.

In addition to his numerous performances for Argentina's youth teams, he has also been called up for the senior side to compete in qualifying matches for the World Cup.

Saviola becomes the sixth new arrival at Barcelona after the signings of defenders Patrik Andersson and Philippe Christanval, midfielder Fabio Rochemback, forward Geovanni Deiberson and goalkeeper Roberto Bonano.