Newcastle plan January move for Cardozo

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has identified Oscar Cardozo as his top target in the January transfer window, after admitting defeat in his attempts to find a striker this summer.

According to reports, the Benfica striker has been monitored by Newcastle scouts for several months but the Toon are unwilling to match the 16m GBP asking price.

It seems that Benfica are ready to let the player leave as he nears the end of his contract, due to expire in 2013.

Newcastle will reportedly offer around 8m GBP for the Paraguayan international in January when the transfer window reopens.