Football rumours: Cavani now Man United backup for Sancho?

What the papers say

Luka Jovic and Edinson Cavani figure in today’s football gossip (Mike Egerton/Andrew Milligan/PA)

Manchester United have opened talks with veteran striker Edinson Cavani over the possibility of him joining the club on a free transfer, the Daily Mail reports. Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen for more firepower following his side’s lacklustre start to the season and has turned his sights on the Uruguayan, who is now a free agent after the expiration of his contract with Paris St Germain. The news comes amid reports that United’s highest bid so far for Jadon Sancho – £91.3million – has been rejected by Borussia Dortmund.

Another attacking option for United is Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic, according to Spanish website AS. While firm offers for the 22-year-old Serbian are on the table from Inter Milan, AC Milan and Roma, United have now entered the fray with a loan offer. Jovic could appeal more to Solskjaer as a cheaper and younger alternative to Cavani. AS also reports the Red Devils are close to signing Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele.