Manchester United Transfer News: Edinson Cavani Eyed to Replace Radamel Falcao

It's only been a matter of months since Radamel Falcao's deadline-day loan move to Manchester United caused hysteria at Old Trafford, but Edinson Cavani is already being lined up to replace the striker next summer.

David Wright of the Daily Express cites reports from France stating the Red Devils will not opt to sign Falcao on a £43.5 million permanent deal, but they will instead seek to fill that void with Paris Saint-Germain's hitman: "The Red Devils' change of heart has put PSG on red alert, and the Ligue 1 champions are willing to offload Cavani in order to land Falcao. United are long-term admirers of the Uruguay international and boss Louis van Gaal is reportedly readying a £50m move for his services next summer."

United's vision was to see Falcao compete with Robin van Persie for the main striking role after sanctioning Danny Welbeck's late move to Arsenal, but a struggle for fitness has seen the forward miss large chunks of the campaign.

Since making the temporary switch from Monaco, Falcao has made just five Premier League appearances and is yet to feature for a full 90 minutes. Earlier this week, he tweeted in anticipation of his most recent comeback from injury:

Cavani, on the other hand, has been in fine form at the Parc des Princes. Despite previous concerns over playing second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Uruguayan has nonetheless figured as a key part of Laurent Blanc's side this term.

The former Napoli talisman's most recent exploits include a brace in PSG's 3-1 win over Ajax in the Champions League, per Robin Bairner of Goal.com:

Falcao suffered a crippling anterior cruciate ligament injury midway through the 2013-14 campaign, which ruled him out of Colombia's 2014 World Cup and caused concern about his longevity as one of the world's leading attackers.

Although the same injury is yet to play a part in his Manchester United setbacks, other injuries have flagged up, understandably creating doubt regarding what he can offer in the long term.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Prior to Van Gaal's arrival at the Red Devils' helm, it was thought that Van Persie would enjoy a renaissance under his former Netherlands boss, with whom he shared such a personal connection.

However, the Dutchman has also been off the boil this season, scoring just three goals in 11 appearances. The Independent reports that Falcao isn't the only star figure who could be leaving United in 2015, either:

Even with his success being played outside his preferred central role in the French capital, Cavani may jump at the chance to be guaranteed his place in attack in Van Gaal's lineup.

Not since making the £50 million move from Naples has he been granted priority in the striking stakes, and if one or both of United's incumbents were to depart next summer, that's precisely what he'd have at Old Trafford.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe sees academy graduate James Wilson as an alternative prospect for the club to place their faith in:

Given their troubles in maintaining fitness at the back, one might think defensive reinforcements would be top of Manchester United's wish list, but possessing a star name in attack seemingly ranks as highly as ever.

Given the array already at their disposal, the club can bank on possessing at least one superstar leading their line next season. Whether or not Cavani will be the latest to join that fraternity will depend on who heads for the exit first.