Ralf Rangnick’s Edinson Cavani stance obvious as Man Utd respond to Barca links

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona in the January transfer window, but Ralf Rangnick will have the final say on the move

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Ralf Rangnick reflects on Wolves defeat

Manchester United are keen to keep hold of Edinson Cavani amid reported interest from Barcelona in the January transfer window.

Cavani is under contract with United until the end of the season, but has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the mid-season window.

The 34-year-old striker has made just 11 appearances, scoring two goals in all competitions for the club so far this season, with injuries limiting his game time.

Reports emerged in December that Cavani was ‘unhappy’ at United and was considering a move to South America with Brazilian club Cortinthians.

Barcelona were also mooted as a possible destination for the Uruguayan at the time and the Spanish giants remain interested in signing him.

Marca reports that Barca are on the lookout for a striker to bolster Xavi’s options after signing Ferran Torres from Manchester City for an initial fee of £45million (€55m).

Cavani is currently considered as Barcelona’s second choice for the role, behind Alvaro Morata, who is on loan at Juventus from Atletico Madrid.

The report states that Cavani is keen on a move to the Catalan club but he won’t be allowed to entertain the idea due to interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

Rangnick has made it clear that Cavani is a part of his plans until the end of the season and he will not sign off on a transfer this month.

That information tallies with what the German boss said publicly in the press conference before the 1-0 defeat by Wolves on Monday.

“We’ve had quite a few conversations in the last couple of weeks, he’s probably the player I have spoken to most,” said Rangnick.

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“I told him from the very first day he’s a highly important player, probably the only one that can play as a striker back to goal and, as I have said before, his professionalism and work ethic is amazing.

“I told him that I desperately want him to stay until the end of the season and he knows how highly I rate and respect him.

“He knows I definitely would not let him go. For me, he is a highly important player for the rest of the season in a squad still playing in three competitions.

“We definitely need him and it is clear he has to stay.”

Cavani has started United’s last two Premier League games after scoring the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle on December 27.

Barcelona may struggle to get either of their striker targets in January, with Juventus unwilling to let Morata leave.

“I told Alvaro that he is staying here, he is not leaving Juventus, end of story,” Juve boss Max Allegri said on Wednesday when asked about Barcelona’s interest.