Barcelona are reportedly in 'advanced negotiations' to sign Edinson Cavani but there is still work to do with Manchester United to complete a deal, which seems unlikely. It remains unclear whether the Red Devils would be prepared to let El Matador leave at this stage of the transfer window, despite the re-signing of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cavani remains part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans and he came off the bench for his first appearance of the new season in the 1-0 win at Wolves on Sunday after he completed his quarantine on his return to England.
However, if Cavani was to move on today, that would pave the way for Ronaldo to reclaim his prestigious and iconic No 7 shirt.
There have been mixed reports regarding the shirt number and as it stands, Cavani is set to continue wearing the jersey barring a dramatic change of events.
However, Spanish journalist Gerard Romero is now reporting that talks are advanced between Cavani and Barcelona, meaning Ronaldo could simply take the Uruguayan's shirt number if he departs.
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Furthermore, the Manchester Evenings News' United correspondent Samuel Luckhurst has explained why he would not be surprised to see Cavani leave.
He tweeted: "If Cavani goes to Barcelona before the deadline it won't be a surprise.
"Struggled to settle in England, wasn't happy about not travelling to Southampton and internationals being banned from travelling to red list countries. Then Ronaldo came in. [Sergio] Aguero also out until October."
The MEN are also reporting that United are trying to make United their No 7 regardless of whether Cavani stays or goes.
Man Utd are not expected to let Edinson Cavani leave the club on deadline day (Image: GETTY)
That could involve a request to the Premier League after Cavani wore the shirt in the win at Wolves. It's been reported elsewhere that clubs cannot change numbers once they have been used in a season.
United will not let Diogo Dalot leave on deadline day either, despite interest from Borussia Dortmund.
The Bundesliga club are keen on a loan with option to buy but United would not have time to sign a replacement.
They did initially want Kieran Trippier but talks with Atletico Madrid proved difficult as the La Liga champions demanded a premium.