BENFICA are reportedly closing in on a deal for Leeds target Edinson Cavani.
The newly-promoted Whites have spoken of ambitious moves for the Paris Saint-Germain striker and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, both of which are due to become free agents.
Edinson Cavani is one of the hottest free agent properties on the summer marketCredit: Reuters
However Cavani’s half-brother and agent Walter Guglielmone is said to have been holding talks with Benfica.
Uruguayan journalist Sebas Giovanelli has described the first meeting as ending very positively with a second round of talks already underway.
Benfica club president Luis Filipe Vieira has reportedly been present at the negotiations with the player’s representative, before the addition of various directors.
The Portuguese capital club missed out on this year’s Primeira Liga trophy to Porto having won five of the previous six titles.
And offering Cavani Champions League football may help Benfica beat Leeds to the 33-year-old.
Since earning promotion earlier in the month, the Yorkshire side are thought to have held their own talks with Guglielmone.
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani admits a deal for Ibrahimovic will be “difficult” but is optimistic that Cavani can be tempted.
The Italian told Sky Sports Italia earlier in the week: “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 has scored 200 goals for PSG in seven seasons at the club, a spell which is expected to come to an end after next month’s Champions League campaign.
Leeds hopeful over incredible Edinson Cavani transfer with Premier League new-boys also set to target Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
