Everton manager David Moyes has been on a personal scouting mission to check out Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo, who is also attracting the attention of Tottenham, Aston Villa and Blackburn. (The Sun)

Manchester City have put 26-year-old Paraguayan striker Oscar Cardozo on their list of summer targets after he caught the eye in Benfica's Europa League quarter-final clash with Liverpool. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester City are targeting Benfica's Paraguayan star Oscar Cardozo. The striker, and free-kick specialist, has scored 18 league goals this season. (Daily Mirror)

JUVENTUS have given Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez until the end of next week to tell them if he wants to become their new boss.

The Italian giants made a move for Benitez when former Turin boss Ciro Ferrara was axed in January.

Benitez admitted he was flattered by the interest and although he denied reports his agent had met Juve, he never went as far as rejecting it outright.

Juventus appointed Alberto Zaccheroni until the end of the season.

But the Spaniard, 49, has remained their long-term target and now they plan to crank up the pressure on a firm answer.

Failure to finish in the top four or win the Europa League - they face a semi-final first-leg at Atletico Madrid next Thursday - would leave Benitez on the brink in England.

Benitez has admitted he will need a hefty transfer budget if he is to bring in at least three top-class stars to avoid a repeat of this season's slump.

Yet the prospect of Juve getting a definitive response looks doomed to failure, with Benitez highly unlikely to jump as he would be turning his back on a Ј16million pay-off.

His agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, said: "I repeat, Benitez has a four-year contract with Liverpool which, in principle, means he will remain there."

However he added: "For the next months, I do not know what will happen."

But Benitez's chances of leading the Anfield side to another Euro final will receive a massive blow if Fernando Torres' knee problem keeps him out.

Knee specialist Ramon Cugat said: "The problem is not serious but he needs to stop and rest to avoid more risk."