LEEDS have been boosted in the race for Edinson Cavani’s signature after Benfica pulled the plug on any deal.
Reports circulated that the Portuguese side were the frontrunners to land the Uruguayan after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired.
Benfica have quashed talks of signing CavaniCredit: Reuters
Cavani, 33, was believed to have penned a two-year deal at Benfica with an official announcement “imminent.”
But it appears a deal has completely collapsed after the club released an official statement on their website.
It read: “Benfica deny various false reports from various press organisations about the club’s interest in players without foundation.
“One story that stands out is the club’s president, Luis Felipe Vieria, supposedly being involved in negotiations with Edison Cavani.
“This story is completely false.”
This could prick up the ears of Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani who wants to land a big-name signing to celebrate the club’s return to the Premier League after 16 years.
We’ve certainly thought about him and we’ll see
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani
The ambitious Radrizzani has publicly spoken of the possibility of signing 33-year-old Cavani to lead the line next season.
He said: “In addition to his quality, Cavani could contribute with his physicality and adapt here, but I’ve never talked about him with the coach.
“Having said that, we’ve certainly thought about him and we’ll see, given he’s still available on a free transfer.”
Cavani will not short of options this summer after consistently boasting one of the best scoring records across Europe throughout his career.
That includes 353 goals in 586 club appearances with 50 in 116 international matches.
On top of that, Cavani is a serial winner departing PSG with 16 major trophies under his belt.
Leeds have also been linked with the legendary Zlatan Ibrahimovic but the Swede looks braced to extend his contract with AC Milan.
Radrizzani added of the Swede: “Ibrahimovic will certainly be difficult.
“We tried to sign him in January, but he chose to join Milan and the deal vanished.
“Now I think it’s too late, the intensity of English football is different.”
How Leeds could line up next season, with Ibrahimovic and Cavani in attack plus Quarta and Bravo in defence
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
