Barcelona ‘very advanced’ over shock transfer for Manchester United star forced out
Spanish giants Barcelona could rescue Edinson Cavani from Manchester United on Tuesday, according to a number of sources.
Cavani’s future was up in the air at the end of the season at Old Trafford. The veteran striker looked set to return to South America. United though United begged him to stay and eventually he agreed to extend his time in England.
Cavani signed a new one-year deal in May, but the surprise arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo has clouded the waters at United.
Ronaldo, who was officially announced by United on Tuesday, has penned a two-year deal with the option of a third. The 36-year-old is expected to play as a central striker, likely leaving Cavani on the bench.
The Uruguayan forward, who replaced Dan James against Wolves, is not expected to be happy kicking his heels on the sidelines and Barcelona are keen.
And, according to RAC1 reporter Gerard Romero Barca are in ‘very advanced negotiations’ with Cavani ahead of a late deal to sign him.
According to Mundo Deportivo, via Sport Witness, Barcelona are in the market for a new striker.
The paper claim the 34-year-old has been “offered to Barca”. United are trying to lighten their wage bill after Ronaldo’s arrival.
With the prospect of first-team football reducing after Ronaldo’s return Cavani “would value an exit from United”.
It appears that United have been pro active in trying to offload Cavani. But Mundo say Cavani’s arrival at Barcelona is “difficult” and “complicated” due to his salary.
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Lingard to stay
Elsewhere, Jesse Lingard looks set to remain at Manchester United this summer after the club decided to let the playmaker stay and fight for his place.
Manchester United transfer round-up, August 31
Daniel James, Jesse Lingard and Declan Rice feature in Manchester United's deadline day round-up.
West Ham were expected to try and sign the England midfielder all summer, after Lingard enjoyed a highly productive loan spell with the Hammers last season. The 28-year-old scored nine goals in 16 Premier League appearances for David Moyes’ men.
However, according to Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth, United are happy for the player to stay and contend for a place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Sheth said: “Man United are happy for Lingard to remain at Old Trafford. And to stay and fight for his place.”
READ MORE: Man Utd deal collapses at eleventh hour despite everything being ‘done’