Villarreal close in on Cavani

Villarreal are closing in on a high-profile reinforcement in the striking department, having reached an agreement in principle with Edinson Cavani.

The name of the Uruguayan forward needs no introduction and the 35-year-old is available on a free transfer after his Manchester United contract expired.

Cavani has agreed to join the Yellow Submarine, but the team from the province of Castello must first sell players before the deal can be completed.

Villarreal president Fernando Roig confirmed last week that they need to sell before any new players can be registered.

This is partly due to a shift in income as the club will be playing in the Conference League in the coming season, having played in the Champions League in the previous campaign.

In this case, the player identified to be sold is Paco Alcacer, which makes sense in terms of the squad as well, with the forward department threatening to become overcrowded. Boulaye Dia is also expected to leave.

Alcacer has been training separately from the rest of the team while his future is settled. Celta Vigo are one of the clubs taking a strong interest in him.

Villarreal's move for Cavani may have come just in time as the player was close to joining Fenerbahce. They must now move fast to make the necessary adjustments to seal the deal.

Emery knows him well

A major factor for both parties could be the presence of Unai Emery. Cavani has worked with him before at PSG and his willingness to do so again may have swung things in Villarreal's favour.