Paris Saint-Germain manager Thomas Tuchel has said he would like to keep Edinson Cavani this month amid speculation linking him to several clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United .
Cavani is out of contract at the end of the season and is keen to leave the Parc des Princes this month, with Atletico Madrid also understood to be interested in the striker.
PSG sporting director Leonardo confirmed over the weekend that the Uruguay forward has handed in a transfer request, but the French giants are understood to be reluctant to lose the 32-year-old during the current transfer window.
And despite admitting that Cavani could leave the club before the start of the February, Tuchel insisted that his departure is far from certain and that he would be happy for him to remain in Paris.
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“I have the same opinion. As I always said, I love this group,” the German said ahead of Wednesday’s Coupe de la Ligue semi-final with Reims (via Metro ).
“We don’t want to lose a player but it can happen, it’s reality. We have to wait, maybe nothing will happen. I’m calm.
“Leonardo said everything and that’s good. Edi is my player and I’m happy it is like that.”
Cavani has scored just two goals in nine Ligue 1 appearances for PSG this season but offers an impressive pedigree and experience.
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Although Atletico were considered to be in pole position to secure the Uruguayan’s signature either this month or in the summer, it is understood that Chelsea could now hijack a deal.
The Blues are free to bolster their squad this month after their FIFA-imposed transfer ban was reduced and manager Frank Lampard refused to rule out a move for the wantaway forward during his press conference on Monday.
Asked whether he had any interest in the player, Lampard said: “He’s a great player; I played against him and I always loved his mentality and attitude, and obviously his goalscoring record speaks for itself.
“I’m not absolutely aware of what the situation is, so we’ll see. He’s an experienced player, but so are many other players out there.
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“I think we are young, and we know about the transitions. The idea of bringing in experience is something I’m certainly not absolutely looking away from.
“Because sometimes the young players need a little bit of help, and if that’s the case then that may help us.”
United have also been touted as potential suitors following confirmation of a long-term injury to Marcus Rashford.
The England international, who is the Red Devils’ leading goalscorer this season with 19 goals in all competitions, has been ruled out for at least two months with a double stress fracture in his back.
