Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Real Madrid chiefs get approval from Ancelotti to capture Man Utd star as Haaland alternative

Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford

Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly sanctioned a Real Madrid move for Edinson Cavani of Manchester United, should Los Blancos’ pursuit of Erling Haaland come to nothing.

Real are pushing to revamp their attack this summer. They are hoping to bring in at least one top-class striker, despite already having the exceptional Karim Benzema in their squad.

The French hitman is now 34 years old, so it can be assumed club chiefs want to find his successor up front.

Their man target is Paris Saint-Germain ace Kylian Mbappe. He is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning Real might complete a huge free transfer.

Reports suggest the Spanish outfit could partner Mbappe with Dortmund’s Haaland, which is a frightening proposition.

Between them, the two forwards have hit 57 goals in 66 matches in all competitions this campaign.

Real eye Edinson Cavani as Haaland alternative

However, it will not be easy for Real to win the Haaland transfer race. Manchester City are battling them for his signature and appear to be in pole position as things stand.

That is forcing the La Liga leaders to hunt striker alternatives. And one option is Manchester United star Cavani.

The Uruguay international will become a free agent this summer, like Mbappe, and could secure a transfer.

He has only made 17 appearances this term due to injuries and the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite this, the 35-year-old remains a well-respected goalscorer.

Cavani wants Darwin Nunez at Manchester United

Cavani wants Darwin Nunez at Manchester United

Edison Cavani wants Darwin Nunez to replace him at Manchester United this summer as Benfica exit likely

According to Sport Witness, who cite reports in Spain, Real officials have made Cavani a ‘Plan B’, should Haaland move elsewhere.

And they have approval of current manager Ancelotti, as he has given them the ‘green light’ to complete a deal.

Real are now preparing an ‘interesting offer’ to put to Cavani and his entourage. He would be a short-term fix to bolster their attacking options while a younger solution is scouted.

Of course, there is irony in this potential transfer. Real want to find Benzema’s successor up top and Cavani will not be this, given he is a year older.

But the Red Devils man would fulfil a role at the Bernabeu. At United he has shown his ability to help younger stars, something which may happen in Madrid.

Cavani could also get back into a goalscoring rhythm with Real if he can overcome his fitness issues.

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