The Spaniard was officially unveiled at the Serie A club on Friday and the 53-year-old was quizzed on the Uruguay striker amid rumours of a move to La Liga or the Premier League, with Manchester City and Real Madrid repeatedly linked with Cavani.

Cavani, 26, has scored 78 league goals in the last three seasons to establish himself as one of the most-prolific finishers in European football. 

Benitez, who spent last season as Chelsea interim manager, admitted the club have spoken to Cavani, but talks will commence after the tournament in Brazil has finished. President Aurelio De Laurentiis also revealed that City appear unable to pay the necessary 63 million euro buy-out clause unless they generate funds by selling players first. 

"The club have had a conversation with him (Cavani) about he feels," Benitez said.

"Obviously, now he's playing with his national team so we are not concentrating on his future because he has to concentrate on that.

"We have to wait to see how he feels, we hope he continues because he is an important player and we want him here.

"They (the players) all speak highly of him because he is a talented player."

Reflecting on his latest managerial role, Benitez is keen to compete for silverware after the club finished second in Serie A last season.

"I am very happy to be here, and to train a strong and winning team," he continued.

"I find a group of players with a very professional attitude. I will give everything for this group and this company, this is to reciprocate the love and warmth of the fans.

"We are very motivated, we want to build a team that can be compete in all competitions."