Benitez hints transfer move for Damiao

Benitez hints transfer move for Damiao

Published Jul. 20, 2013 1:00 a.m. ET

Napoli boss Rafa Benitez has hinted that he could make a move for Internacional's in-demand forward Leandro Damiao.

The Brazil international has been the subject of intense transfer speculation throughout the summer, but remains in South America for now.

A move to the Premier League was mooted at one stage, with Tottenham Hotspur known to have been tracking the 23-year-old for some time. No deal has been put in place, though, and Damiao is still available to the highest bidder.

Napoli have money to spend following the sale of Edinson Cavani to Paris St Germain and Benitez intends to put those funds towards the acquisition of two forwards - one of which could be Damiao.

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He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Damiao is very good. Two attackers will arrive: one who is more of a center-forward and the other a support striker. We are looking for players at a fair price, but it is clear that to compete at a certain level we need players with experience and international quality."

However, Internacional president Luis Cesar Souto de Moura remained confident that the Brazilian international will remain with the club one more season.

"It's silly to sell Leandro Damiao this year, he has the chance to play the World Cup and improve at a personal and professional level. We are confident and we understand that he can wait another year, play the World Cup, increase his value with the national team and then be transferred and have other opportunities."

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