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Cardozo seeks Benfica exit

Image: Cardozo: 38 goals last season

Prolific Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo has signalled his wish to leave the Portuguese club.

Prolific Paraguayan sets sights on Europe's elite

Prolific Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo has signalled his wish to leave the Portuguese club, alerting a host of top clubs. The 27-year-old scored 38 goals in all competitions last term, including two against Everton and three against Liverpool in the Europa League. His exploits have not gone unnoticed at Manchester City, allegedly, where boss Roberto Mancini is keen to draft in a new big-money striker. Benfica boss Jorge Jesus is reluctant to lose his star man but, despite his desire to leave, Cardozo admits the club are in the driving seat. "I want to play for a big club from a different league, but the one to decide will be Benfica," the Paraguay international told RTP. "The coach spoke to me yesterday and he told me he wants me to stay for one more year, but I do not know. That will depend on Benfica." Jesus is reportedly already lining up replacements for Cardozo, with an expected swoop for Milan forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in the pipeline should he depart. Benfica, who won the Portuguese Liga last season, paid Argentine club Newell's Old Boys €11.1million for Cardoza's services in 2007.

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