Early exit for Benfica’s Cardozo

(GSM) – Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo has signaled his wish to leave the Portuguese club, alerting a host of top clubs.

The prolific 27-year-old, who had scored 38 goals in all competitions last term, scored two against Everton and three against Liverpool in the Europa League

And it seems his exploits have not gone unnoticed at Manchester City, with boss Roberto Mancini keen to draft in a new big-money striker.

Cardozo joined from Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys €11.1million in 2007, and it seems that Benfica boss Jorge Jesus is reluctant to lose his star man.

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.”

However, 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.