Edinson Cavani close to agreeing one-year Man Utd extension - BBC News

Last updated on 30 April 2021.From the section Man Utd

Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani is close to agreeing to stay at Manchester United for another year.

Cavani, 34, joined on a one-year deal from Paris St-Germain in October, with the option of an additional 12 months.

He was understood to be having doubts, but United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Thursday he wanted him to stay.

BBC Sport understands Cavani has been receptive to Solskjaer's overtures and is now likely to remain at Old Trafford after a difficult first season.

Cavani initially had to spend time in isolation and was then banned for three matches by the Football Association for a social media post.

The post was deemed offensive even if it was accepted Cavani had not been intentionally racist.

Argentina's Boca Juniors are known to be keen to bring Cavani back to South America.

But after Cavani scored twice and secured three assists in United's 6-2 Europa League semi-final first-leg victory over Roma to take his tally to five goals in as many games and 12 for the season, Solskjaer said he was trying hard to keep him at the club.

"He knows my feelings," said Solskjaer. "He knows I would love to have him here.

"Edinson is more than just a goal poacher. He is excellent at running the channels, being the focal point and bringing others into play.

"He is making up for lost time and I am delighted with him. Hopefully we will see him here for another year. I am doing my best. I promised him Old Trafford is a different place with fans.

"Hopefully he can see himself being here for another year."