Barcelona will not sign Edinson Cavani from Manchester United before the transfer deadline.
Cavani’s future at Old Trafford had been thrown into doubt by the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus. His return leaves United with an incredible amount of firepower with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial all expecting regular playing time.
Daniel James is already heading out of the door - on a permanent deal to Leeds - because of the plethora of options at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's disposal, and Cavani was soon linked with a move to Barcelona.
Off-field financial problems have plagued the Blaugrana's summer with the club settling from free transfers. Although Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero have both arrived to bolster their forward line, the departure of Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain means they could still do with reinforcements.
However, the deal will not be happening. Spanish journalist Gerard Romero reports that Cavani was initially offered to Barça, but United are now eager for him to remain at Old Trafford The Uruguayan himself is keen on the move - likely because he does not see himself playing frequently now Ronaldo has joined - but he will have to content himself with a supporting role in Manchester.
Cavani made 39 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring an impressive 17 goals and also providing six assists. That form convinced United to extend his stay at the club, and he even ousted Martial as the club's first choice striker.
His start to this season has been affected by injury, though, with Greenwood or Martial preferred to him in United’s opening three Premier League games.
Cavani has also clashed with the club hierarchy over the upcoming international break. United, following Premier League guidance, are preventing him from travelling for Uruguay’s vital World Cup qualifiers as he would be forced to quarantine and isolate upon his return.
Source: 90min
