Benfica want Boro target

Benfica are struggling to muster the financial clout to sign Internazionale midfielder Giorgias Karagounis.

The Greece international has an uncertain future at Giuseppe Meazza as he is not a regular member of coach Roberto Mancini's plans.

Premiership side Middlesbrough have already failed to tempt Inter into offloading Karagounis for the rest of the season.

But that has not quelled the interest in the attack-minded midfielder, with Benfica, Mallorca and Paris Saint Germain all keen.

Portuguese giants Benfica are rumoured to be Karagounis' first choice, if he is allowed to leave Inter during the transfer window.

A move to Estadio da Luz would enable Karagounis to link up with compatriot Panagiotis Fyssas and this is a factor in Benfica's favour.

Benfica coach Giovanni Trapattoni is chasing a midfielder in the mould of Karagounis but the stumbling block is the player's wages.

Karagounis earns a sizeable salary in Milan and Benfica fear they will be unable to meet the Greek's demands if they convince Inter to sanction the 27-year-old's departure.