United line up Garay to replace Ferdinand

Manchester United are closing in on Benfica centre-back Ezequiel Garay, according to Spanish daily Marca.



Sir Alex Ferguson has been impressed by the Argentine defender and is now convinced he would be a perfect replacement for Rio Ferdinand, who is widely tipped to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.



The Red Devils hope to sign the player in the summer transfer window and are prepared to offer around €15 million, but the problem is Benfica are holding out for double the amount.



Nevertheless, Marca believes the two parties will eventually come to an agreement that will see the highly rated defender make a switch to Old Trafford.



Garay, 26, has managed to kick-start his career at Estadio da Luz following a disappointing spell at Real Madrid and established himself as one of the best centre-backs in European football.



The Argentina international has been especially impressive during team’s Champions League campaign, while also earning a regular starting berth in the national team.



With a wealth of experience at the highest level and still at least five or six good years ahead of him, Garay would be a very good investment for the Premier League giants.

Salvio revels in Benfica move

Argentina winger Eduardo Salvio declared himself "back home" after completing his transfer to Benfica from Atletico Madrid.



The 22-year-old, who spent the 2010-11 campaign on loan at the Stadium of Light, has joined last season's Portuguese Liga runners-up for an undisclosed fee on a five-year contract, which contains a buy-out clause starting at 60 million euros ($70 million).



"Eduardo Salvio is the latest enhancement to the SL Benfica football team," a club statement read.



"The player, 22, is returning to a club he knows very well.



"After having represented the club on loan in the 2010-11 season, Salvio has now signed a contract for five years. The termination clause of the Argentina international is 60 million euros."



Salvio, who arrived in the Spanish capital in 2010 from Argentinian club Lanus, told Benfica TV: "I never stopped being a 'Benfiquista'. I took the club to my heart and I feel I am back home."



Recalling his time with the club the campaign before last, he added: "I remember it was a great team who played excellent football. We always went out on the field looking to win.



"This year we have a team capable of fighting for big things. The fact that the same coach [Jorge Jesus] is here is a help. The squad has not changed much, which is good as I remember my former team-mates.



"I have grown in terms of being a player and a person. But I have not changed much and I will do my best to support the team.



"I want to win titles and play in the Champions League. It's also good to play for a big club. This makes me very happy."

Agent confirms PSG interest in Cardozo

The agent of Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo has confirmed reports linking his client with a move to Parc des Princes.



The Paraguayan is widely tipped to leave the Eagles following yet another impressive season at La Luz, and he has seen his name linked with a host of Europe’s top clubs.



Paris Saint-Germain were thought to be leading the race for the highly rated forward and the player’s representative now confirms the Saints have enquired about his client.



Asked by Le 10 Sport about the real story about PSG and Cardozo, agent Pedro Aldave replied: “There is an interest in the player.”



Benfica are ready to cash in on one of their star players and Aldave admits Cardozo is looking to leave this summer.



“He wants to leave. But, only in the case he is offered better conditions than at Benfica. We are talking about the top foreign scorer in the history of the club.”



The Paraguayan international joined Benfica in a €9.2 million deal from Newell’s Old Boys in June 2007 and has since scored 87 goals in 133 league games for the Eagles.



Cardozo finished last season as top scorer of Portuguese Primeira league with 20 goals in 29 games.