Edison Cavani Man United

Edinson Cavani. Photo: PA

TRANSFER NEWS: Manchester United could lose TWO high-profile players

Barcelona are said to be preparing bids to recruit two of Man United’s out-of-favour players, according to reports.

Edison Cavani Man United

Edinson Cavani. Photo: PA

Barcelona are said to be looking to bolster their squad in the winter window, although they are hamstrung by debts of more than £1.2 billion, and have set their sights on a couple of targets at Man United.

Reportedly targeting players who could be available on free transfers or for relatively low fees, Edinson Cavani and Juan Mata are a couple of ideal options as they have fallen down the pecking order at United.

The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo has recently seen Cavani fall out of favour at a time when injuries have also disrupted his progress, while Cavani is reportedly Barcelona’s top target as Xavi Hernandez looks to bring in a No 9 next month.

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Man United currently battling a Covid-19 outbreak

Man United‘s weekend game against Brighton was called off shortly after Leicester’s scheduled match against Tottenham on Thursday was postponed —  bringing the total to five top-flight fixtures scrapped in the past week.

Britain is battling record numbers of Covid-19 cases as the Omicron variant runs riot, with fears growing that the crisis could derail the football season.

“Regarding Manchester United’s game on Saturday, the club continues to have an ongoing Covid-19 outbreak within their squad, which has left them unable to field a team for the match at Old Trafford,” the Premier League said in a statement.

“A significant number of Covid-19 cases led to their game against Brentford FC being called off earlier this week, and today additional positive tests have been confirmed.”

United are believed to have had only seven senior players available because of Covid and other injuries for the Brighton game.

Meanwhile, the Premier League plans to press ahead with its schedule as the busy festive season approaches.

“While recognising a number of clubs are experiencing Covid-19 outbreaks, it is the league’s intention to continue its current fixture schedule where safely possible,” it said in a statement. 

“The health and wellbeing of all concerned remains our priority.”