According to reports, Manchester United has given the go-ahead for a January deal that may provide a huge boost to rival Manchester City.
Few people can foresee what will happen at Barcelona during the January transfer window. Xavi has taken over as manager, despite the fact that the club’s financial troubles will limit his transfer budget.
Nonetheless, all indications point to the signing of a new forward, despite the fact that attacking firepower is at an all-time low.
In the summer, Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann both left the club. Sergio Aguero is expected to announce his retirement on Wednesday after being diagnosed with a heart issue, according to reports. Ousmane Dembele, a contract rebel, is in the final year of his contract and might leave in January.
However, a move to Barcelona was reported by The Times to be Cavani’s preference, and he may now get his wish.
That will be music to the ears of Pep Guardiola after Ferran Torres had emerged as a Barcelona target. However, at the opposite end of his career, Torres would command a far higher fee – something Barca would struggle to pay.
When will a Cavani replacement be signed?
Per the Express, if Cavani does leave, United are content to wait until next summer before signing a replacement.
Ralf Rangnick has an embarrassment of riches in his forward ranks that can adequately cover Cavani’s absence for six months.
Furthermore, United are believed to be in the thick of the Erling Haaland sweepstakes. The Norwegian hitman’s release clause will see him available for a fraction of his true worth next summer.
Waiting for a player of his calibre rather than signing a stopgap in January seems like the smart play.
Man Utd join bidding for €80m Liverpool target
Meanwhile, Manchester United are reportedly prepared to compete with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City in the chase for Porto winger Luis Diaz.
His performances this season have seen a number of clubs sit up and take notice. Chief among them is Liverpool, who are rumoured to be leading the race for his signature.
However, Fíchájés now claims that the Red Devils are preparing to make a move of their own. The report states that Porto’s exit from the Champions League might tempt them to cash in on the player in January.
That news will have plenty of clubs scrambling for his signature, especially the English trio. City are already said to have enquired after Diaz, as they line up a potential replacement for Barcelona-linked Ferran Torres.
Though given the Cavani news, that potential void may no longer need to be filled
