Ortega has had an unsettled club career

Argentine international Ariel Ortega has signed for Saudi Arabian league leaders Al-lttihad.

The midfielder left Fenerbahce for nearly £500,000 in a three-month deal until the end of the Saudi season.

It will be Ortega's second move in less than a year, as he only joined the Turkish side from River Plate last May in a £3.4m move.

Ortega found it difficult to settle down in Argentina after constant rows with River Plate coach Ramon Diaz.

The 28-year-old has already had a spell in Europe with Italian clubs Sampdoria and Parma.

Ortega's flair and darting runs have also earned him a regular place in Argentina's national side.

He was part of the side who reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 1998.

But that experience was marred when he was sent-off for headbutting Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

He also suffered bad luck in last year's World Cup as Argentina failed to get past the group stage.

Al-lttihad are keen to build on their success by bringing players of international calibre to Saudi Arabia.

Ortega is expected to make his debut for them on Friday alongside striker Titi Camara who is on loan from West Ham.