Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick paid tribute to Edinson Cavani at his press conference and made clear he has no intention of letting the striker go.
These welcome comments were made in conjunction with another off-hand statement in which he suggested he would actually be open to having an additional striker like Cavani at the club.
Rangnick told the club website: “He is a highly important player for the rest of the season, [we’re] still playing in three competitions so we will definitely need Edi.
“I would rather have another Edi on top of that but for me it is clear Edi has to stay.”
It just so happens United have been linked with a striker
The timing of Rangnicks comments are intriguing because United have been linked with making a move for a striker in recent days.
Argentine forward Julian Alvarez is reported to be on United’s radar, reports South American newspaper Ole, with his agent flying to Europe to listen to offers.
Alvarez has a £17 million clause in his contract and as we pointed out, this could be a snip considering his potential and goal record in Argentina is superior to Lautaro Martiinez when he was sold to Inter Milan.
The potential need to sign Alvarez would principally be as a replacement for Edinson Cavani, whose contract expires in the summer.
But as Rangnick points out, he would quite happily have an extra forward now, and Alvarez and his ability to play across the front line and drop deep, makes him an excellent versatile option.
The 21-year-old scored 24 goals in all competitions for River Plate last season and has recently won his first international caps.
Rangnick has hinted at his desire, although he is prudent enough to be sensible and prioritise a defensive midfielder first.
If talks go well with Alvarez’s agent, however, this could yet be a deal United do this month.
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