Barcelona considering Man Utd striker Cavani as Aguero cover

Barcelona are in the market for another striker in January with Sergio Agüero set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering arrhythmia during the 1-1 draw with Alavés. Agüero will be monitored and is expected to meet around three months, leaving Barça with a shortage up top with Martin Braithwaite also currently out and Luuk de Jong failing to convince the Barça technical staff that the on-loan Sevilla forward is the right man to lead the depleted front line. As such, Barça are looking at a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer and have alighted on Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani as a possible option, according to Sport.

Cavani has seen his playing time reduced since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford and could be open to a change of scenery in January. The Uruguay forward is also out of contract at United next summer so any loan fee is likely to be more than acceptable to Barça’s delicate financial situation. That said, Cavani will have to accept a significant pay cut to join up with the Catalan giants, as Agüero did, and his arrival would be subject to the approval of Xavi Hernández, who is expected to be announced as Barcelona’s new permanent manager in the coming days.

Cavani more accessible for Barcelona than Sterling

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Another option Barcelona are looking at is Manchester City and England forward Raheem Sterling, who has fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola this season. Sterling is under contract until 2023 and would command a significant fee. However, the forward is not happy with his bit-part role and if he pushed for a move that figure could be reduced to something Barça may feel is achievable despite the club’s financial constraints.

Europe’s current hottest property, Karim Adeyemi, is attracting interest from all of the continent’s biggest clubs but is probably beyond Barça’s reach due to the probable bidding war that will ensure next summer for the 19-year-old Germany international.