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Real Madrid and Chelsea target to be United’s record signing?

Edinson-Cavani-Napoli_2962856Manchester United have emerged as a surprise contender to secure the services of Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, who had so far been subject of a tussle between City, Chelsea and Real Madrid, today’s papers report.

The Mirror claims David Moyes is ready to trigger Cavani’s £54m release clause as he sees the Uruguayan as the perfect partner for Robin Van Persie, but the new United manager will have to fend off serious competition from the three clubs mentioned above.

Over the last two years Cavani, 26, has developed into one of Europe’s deadliest striker scoring 71 goals in 93 games for Napoli in all competitions but has made clear his desire to leave Rafael Benitez’s new club, with Real Madrid and Chelsea thought to be the likeliest destinations. Indeed the Blues, according to the Daily Mail, have secured a £49.3m deal for the Uruguayan.

The Mirror, however, claims that the race is still open and that David Moyes could break the bank and make Cavani United’s record signing and his pursue of Cavani won’t affect the rest of this summer’s deals as, the paper claims, the Glazers are happy to back Moyes’ spending spree.

Why the Glazer would decide to suddenly throw money at the club is anyone’s guess, particularly considering that signing a midfielder – or two – is a much more pressing issue for David Moyes, who is still to finalise a deal for Barcelona youngster Thiago Alcantara.

Certainly, Cavani’s signature would obviously cast further clouds over Wayne Rooney’s future, with the Sun claiming that the United striker could find himself in the middle of a bidding war involving Chelsea and, rather more surprisingly, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Rooney is due to meet David Moyes this week and reports earlier this week seemed to suggest the United striker was going to be offered a new contract to remain at Old Trafford but the Sun’s obligatory insider is quoted saying:

“Rooney is precisely the type of attacker that would fit perfectly into the system.

“Defence starts from the front at Barca and Rooney works harder than anyone.

“His first touch, movement, control and vision are phenomenal and if he comes on the market then the club are certain to try to sign him.”

Meanwhile, Spurs’ manager Andre Villas-Boas believes United have lost their fear factor without Sir Alex Ferguson, the Mirror reports.

“The aura Sir Alex had, David Moyes does not have. This could influence the players,” said AVB.

Dan