Barcelona have made a late move to sign Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani though the Red Devils are yet to be convinced about allowing him to leave, according to reports in Spain.
The Catalan giants have been in the market for a new frontman after Sergio Aguero was ruled out of action for 10 weeks with a calf injury, while they are also in need of more firepower after Lionel Messi opted to join PSG.
But Barca’s funds are limited and they have been scouring the market for a bargain, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Old Trafford potentially opening up an opportunity.
According to RAC1 journalist Gerard Romero, Barcelona have opened talks with United over a move for Cavani and are now in ‘advanced negotiations’.
The deal is far from easy to complete, however, and all parties will have to move very quickly to get the transfer over the line before tonight’s deadline.
Cavani has already given his OK to the switch to Camp Nou, though United would be reluctant to let him leave and will still take some convincing.
Although Ronaldo is expected to play as a de facto centre-forward, Cavani represents the only out-and-out number nine in United’s squad.
The Red Devils have also alleviated their bloated attacking options by progressing on a deal for Dan James to join Leeds United for £30million, and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to keep Cavani as part of his squad.
Were Cavani to leave, however, it would free up the No.7 shirt and allow Ronaldo to wear it in both the Premier League and Champions League.
There have been suggestions that the Uruguayan is happy to swap shirt numbers with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, though league rules dictate that once a shirt number has been assigned it cannot be changed – unless special dispensation is given, which has never happened before.
But if a player leaves, that shirt number is free to be assigned, which means Cavani’s potential move to Barcelona would allow Ronaldo to reclaim the legendary No.7.
Follow Metro.co.uk’s transfer Deadline Day live blog for the latest updates.
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