Leeds United’s hopes of signing Edinson Cavani appear to be over after the striker closed in on a move elsewhere.
The Elland Road outfit sealed their promotion back to the top-flight last weekend after 16 years away. And chairman Andrea Radrizzani seems determined to make a massive statement signing to mark their return.
After missing out on Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the ambitious Leeds chief instead outlined his hopes of bringing Cavani to West Yorkshire.
The Uruguay international has the status of ‘free’ player on the market. That means he can demand more in wages and a signing-on fee, having come to the end of his PSG contract.
“In addition to his quality, Cavani could contribute with his physicality and adapt here,” Radrizzani said. “But I’ve never talked about him with the coach [Marcelo Bielsa].
“Having said that, we’ve certainly thought about him and we’ll see. Given he’s still available on a free transfer.”
But the transfer now looks a no-go according to website Todo Fichajes.
They claim Cavani has now accepted an offer to join Portuguese side Benfica this summer. They claim the Portuguese side has agreed a package with the 33-year-old striker worth around £200,000 a week.
Benfica, who are currently second and could also offer Champions League football, have offered him a two-year deal. As per Fijaches, the transfer could be made official as soon as Wednesday.
Cavani’s half-brother and agent Walter Guglielmone is said to have negotiated the terms with the Lisbon side.
