Manchester United Transfer News: Huge Edinson Cavani Rumours, Gareth Bale Latest

Edinson Cavani is reportedly in talks to join Manchester United after the Premier League giants made "an initial approach" for the Paris Saint-Germain superstar.   

French publication L’Equipe (h/t Rob Dawson and James Dixon of the Manchester Evening News) said the Red Devils and the striker are discussing a prospective transfer as PSG coach Laurent Blanc reassesses his attack ahead of the January transfer window. 

Cavani has continually been played out of position during his spell at the Parc des Princes, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic dominates the striker's role in the team.

Blanc recently confirmed the Uruguay international was displeased at his substitution in a 4-1 win over Troyes in Ligue 1, but he was frank in his response as manager, per Harry West of Goal.com: "Cavani wasn't very happy - I can confirm that. But [players] are never happy [to be taken off] and I can understand that. If established players have no motivation, we will play young people. They will be happy to play, but I think the established players that I have are currently serious."

Cavani has been in fine fettle this season, scoring eight goals in 11 Ligue 1 starts, according to WhoScored.com.

He has modified his game to complement Ibra in the PSG attack, and the arrival of Angel Di Maria has had a positive affect on his productivity alongside the Swedish icon. 

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However, the player recently hinted he might leave the French capital, and he said he could return to former club Napoli in the future, per Italian outlet Corriere del Mezzogiorno (h/t Bruce Archer of the Daily Express):

"

Would I go back to Italy? 

Sure. For us players the future is unpredictable, I’d go back to where I had three fantastic seasons which allowed me to come to Paris. 

Napoli? Why not? Here in Paris, I always watch Napoli on TV, when it fits in with training commitments and our own games. 

I must confess, this year I’m passionate, I feel very happy to see the team playing well, having fun and getting results.

"

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United's attack has been impotent this term, and manager Louis van Gaal appears desperate to add real quality to his front line at Old Trafford. 

The coach recently spoke about his hopes to sign Cristiano Ronaldo in the near future, as reported by Simon Mullock of the Daily Mirror, but he confirmed he is looking at other attacking options as he scouts the best players in the world. 

According to Sky Sports' Guillem Balague, one player whom United will not be signing is Gareth Bale, as Real Madrid prepare the Welshman to be Ronaldo's successor at the Bernabeu:

"

Bale got two assists against Shakhtar and he scored the first goal against Eibar - it was a set piece prepared in training, a two versus one in the corner, then Luka Modric puts a cross in and Bale comes from deep to the near post to head home.

It was a very important goal and I am convinced that when he gets the opportunity to be the main man at Real Madrid, you are going to see more and more of that. He enjoys the freedom of playing wherever he wants - right, left, in the middle - but while Cristiano Ronaldo is there it is not easy for him to grow.

So that is why Madrid are thinking it is the right time to sell Ronaldo and to allow Bale to grow. We have seen only flashes so far of Bale, there is a lot of confidence in him and that is why they will keep him next season for sure.

"

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Madrid's decision to move Ronaldo on could be to United's benefit, and if they can convince Cavani to join their ranks with CR7, they will have an irresistible attacking lineup next year. 

Cavani is one of the planet's leading predators, and the Theatre of Dreams would be a suitable stage for his undoubted talents.

The attacker has similar qualities to Ruud van Nistelrooy—during the Dutch player's time in the north-west—and the club have been looking for a striker who can score goals every week of the campaign.

Van Gaal has set his stall out with Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial in attack, but Cavani would be a world-class replacement for the England captain, as the No. 10's stock plummets to new lows. 

Martial needs a credible talent to partner with in attack, and Cavani would help the young Frenchman grow into the expected deadly artisan United supporters desire him to be.