Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest Edinson Cavani, Robert Lewandowski Rumours

Real Madrid have reportedly identified Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani as their backup plan in case a transfer move for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski falls through.

That's according to AS' Javier G. Matallanas, who reported Lewandowski's agent was spotted at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu recently, and the Poland international remains at the top of the club's wish list:

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Real Madrid are keen to sign one of the hottest number nines in world football, Robert Lewandowski. His agent’s appearance last week in the presidential box at the Bernabeu and the smile on the player in question’s face when he was asked this week about his contact with Madrid, are all sure-fire signs that the Bayern Munich striker is at the top of Madrid’s wish list for next season. ....

... That said, Madrid are also weighing up other options, one of which is PSG’s Edinson Cavani, a favourite among the Real Madrid board members.

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Los Blancos' search for another striker is likely driven by the ongoing blackmail scandal involving current ace Karim Benzema, which has put a big question mark next to his Madrid future, per Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Metro's Mark Brus).

The Frenchman has been in sensational form of late, scoring five goals in his last two matches, per WhoScored.com. But there's no denying Lewandowski would be a fantastic replacement given his remarkable scoring record since making the switch to Bavaria, per sports writer Cristian Nyari:

Cavani hasn't had similar success since moving to Ligue 1, although some of his reported struggles have been overblown. Despite being forced to play out of position frequently, the Uruguay international has bagged an impressive nine goals in 13 domestic starts this season, per WhoScored.com.

Those are some impressive numbers for a player who was built to be a striker yet often has to switch out wide to accommodate Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Cavani has coped well with making the switch to the winger position, although he still plays his best football in a central role.

As a lone striker, his deadly instincts, aerial prowess and surprising mobility make him very difficult to stop, as you can see below:

The 28-year-old was an absolute star during his time with Napoli, scoring 23 goals or more in his last three Serie A campaigns, per WhoScored.com. His numbers have understandably taken a hit since making the move to the French capital, but there's no reason to believe he wouldn't return to his prolific ways if he received another extended run at the striker position.

Cavani's availability will likely hinge on Ibrahimovic, whose contract is set expire at the end of this season. He's been linked with a move to the Premier League, per the Guardian's Nick Miller, and if the Swede leaves PSG, it's highly unlikely the club will entertain the idea of selling Cavani as well.

Bayern Munich will be even less inclined to sell Lewandowski, but rumours linking him with a move to Madrid continue to increase, and Sky Sports' Guillem Balague believes the player is keen:

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Those in the player's close circle view enormous potential in a possible Bale-Lewandowski partnership and feel the time is right for him to make the move to the Spanish capital. ...

... The player knows that at Real Madrid, he will have the chance to challenge for individual awards that would be impossible at other clubs.

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Lewandowski moved to the Bundesliga in 2010 and seems comfortable in Germany, but he has already won just about every major trophy he could possibly win with a German club, with the exception of the Champions League title.

He's now 27 years old, and if he dreams of starring in a different league, now would be the time to make the move. He's still young enough to play at the highest level for several years, but his value will start to drop as he reaches the age of 30.

As things stand, he still seems more likely to stay with the Bavarians for the foreseeable future, but it's hard to ignore the constant chatter linking him with a move to Madrid. His agent didn't travel to Madrid for no reason, so don't be shocked if Los Blancos make a hard push for his services in 2016.

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