United hold ‘talks’ with Cavani

Manchester United have reportedly made initial contact in regards to a move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani, according to L’Equipe.

United are lacking firepower in the final third, and Louis van Gaal’s tactics have come under fire recently from fans and pundits alike, despite the fact that the Reds sit one point off the top of the Premier League.

And with captain Wayne Rooney misfiring badly, clamour for a world-class attacking option has never been higher, even with the arrival of Anthony Martial from Monaco on transfer deadline day.

The Uruguayan striker is reportedly unhappy in the French capital due to being shunted out wide to accommodate the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the PSG side and he feels that he could offer a lot more to the French champions if he played more centrally.

Likewise, the club haven’t exactly been pleased with Cavani’s contribution to the side, and that has allowed United and Atletico Madrid to make initial contact in regards to any move next summer.

And Cavani had a moment of frustration when he was subbed off by manager Laurent Blanc during the Parisians’ 4-1 victory over Troyes on Saturday, with cameras showing the striker less than impressed when coming off and muttering something in Blanc’s direction.

Blanc had a word of warning for Cavani after the game, saying:

Cavani wasn’t very happy, I can confirm that. But they are never happy and I can understand that.

If established players have no motivation, we will play young people. They will be happy to play, but I think the established players that I have are currently serious.

However, L’Equipe say PSG have no interest in selling the 28-year-old at the moment, and that stance may not change if Ibrahimovic leaves next summer, which the Swede is expected to do. This means that Cavani may benefit from Zlatan’s departure as it will allow him to play in his preferred position.

But it is no secret that Blanc is looking for attacking reinforcements, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar being linked with moves to Paris in recent weeks, so this may open the door for van Gaal to swoop in and sign the Uruguayan.