Manchester United Transfer News: Edinson Cavani Terms Emerge, Gareth Bale Latest

Manchester United will set aside £60 million and £300,000 per week to land Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani, according to Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star.

Cross believes the Old Trafford club will spend heavily to ensure Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool fail to land one of Louis van Gaal's "main transfer targets." The Red Devils boss could have approximately £460,000 per week wages to play with if Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao depart, per Cross, but the alleged terms for Cavani seem somewhat extortionate.

Captain Wayne Rooney joined the club in 2004 and is earning £300,000 per week now, so if Cross' report turns out to be true, the Uruguayan would become the side's joint-highest earner upon arrival.

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Cavani has the qualities to be a Premier League star. He is physical, clinical and works hard whether he has possession or not, the kind of attributes United fans love. Laurent Blanc primarily plays him wide of Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the Parc des Princes, so a return to his favoured striking position could certainly gain the player's interest.

Claudio Anellucci, one of Cavani's representatives, recently suggested he may be open to a move. Anellucci spoke to Radio Olympia (h/t Ian Holyman of ESPN FC):

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For the moment, it seems too early to make any such considerations. Edi is under contract with PSG and discussions of this kind are linked to different situations. Once the situation has been clarified, different scenarios could open up given that players such as him, at the height of their maturity, are coveted by the best teams in Europe.

The markets of interest are Spain and England, and that currently excludes an Italian club being able to take part in going for Cavani.

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As noted by Cross, Cavani hinted he may be willing to move on: "In Paris, I'm fine, but in football you never know what can happen in the future."

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United appear destined to make at least one top-class signing in the summer. Real Madrid's Gareth Bale continues to be linked, with suggestions of a player-plus-cash deal involving David De Gea emerging throughout the January transfer window. 

Martin Samuel of the Daily Mail believes United have "the ultimate bargaining" chip in the Spanish goalkeeper. He writes, "If Bale moves this summer—and it is by no means guaranteed—Bale wins the league for his English club next season." He compares the situation to that of Robin van Persie in 2012, a player many sides wanted. He won United the Premier League during his debut season.

B/R UK's Ryan Bailey and Matteo Bonetti recently discussed how United can challenge for the title again:

Progress since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure has perhaps been frustrating for many supporters, but things can change quickly if the side qualifies for next season's Champions League. Currently sat in third place, eight points clear of Liverpool in fifth, victory in the upcoming Manchester derby would all but confirm a stint among Europe's elite.

This would give the side greater spending power if the likes of Cavani and Bale are to be chased. Champions League football will also help offset any major fees, particularly if costly contracts are to be offered to a batch of new stars.