Manchester United Transfer News: Edinson Cavani Talks Top Latest Major Rumours

Manchester United are "keen" to have Edinson Cavani's signature "wrapped up" by the summer, according to Spanish publication Fichajes, per Jamie Sanderson of the Metro.

The Red Devils are currently linked with a £50 million deal for the Uruguayan striker, who continues to suffer a stop-start career with Paris Saint-Germain. Sanderson suggests the French club aren't willing to cash in on Cavani this month, despite the fact that he will "likely" be moving on at the end of the season.

United were linked to Cavani in January 2014 after the player was reportedly unhappy in France. Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC recently provided quotes from the striker that suggest he regrets making things difficult for the Ligue 1 champions:

The 27-year-old is often deployed wide of the centre-forward's role in Laurent Blanc's 4-3-3 formation. This limits his goalscoring quality somewhat, but with Zlatan Ibrahimovic dominating as lone striker, it would take a complete tactical change for Cavani to fit into his preferred position.

He has scored 14 goals in 26 appearances this season, though, with six of these coming from the wing, according to WhoScored.com. Cavani remains most prolific through the centre and could be the answer to Louis van Gaal's current attacking dilemma at Old Trafford.

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The loan signing of Radamel Falcao hasn't quite worked out for Van Gaal, despite improving performances from the Colombian. Falcao's continued flirtation with injury makes him a risky investment, particularly if Van Gaal is to continue dropping him from the squad, as he did prior to the Southampton defeat.

Robin van Persie has lost his sharpness this season. The Dutchman is isolated up top in Van Gaal's 3-5-2 formation, tactics that force him to play with his back to goal. Van Persie lacks the turn of pace to often escape his mark and would be suited to having a speedy partner alongside him.

Cavani is capable of either leading the line by himself or working in a front two. His relationship with Luis Suarez—a nippier, more elusive hit man—has served Uruguay well over the years, while his time with Napoli and PSG has often seen him deployed in a spearhead role.

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He poses a top-quality alternative if Falcao isn't to be snapped up permanently. Even so, United fans will be more concerned with Van Gaal addressing the side's defensive needs during the current window.

Nicolas Otamendi is the latest name to be paired with United, as reported by Sky Sports' Guillem Balague:

However, David McDonnell of the Mirror writes that "senior United sources have told Mirror Sport they have made no bid for the Argentina international or have any plans to move for him."

Van Gaal recently suggested winter business is unlikely, per Alex Shaw of ESPN FC:

B/R UK's Alex Dimond outlined a number of players United could look at:

Cavani is an interesting prospect for the summer, particularly because his unrest at PSG is well-documented. He possesses the physicality and clinical finishing ability to succeed in any of Europe's top leagues. The more pressing issue is defensive reinforcements who can help United qualify for next season's Champions League, though.

Without this achievement, it's questionable whether Cavani would consider joining the club.