Man United and Man City to do battle over star European trio
Published:As the Premier League title race hots up, Man United and Man City are already looking at reinforcements for next season, with Edinson Cavani, Fernando Llorente and Eden Hazard on either side’s wishlist.
The teams will meet on Monday night at Eastlands, in what looks like a title-deciding clash, and the victors of that tie could be in pole position to land the European talents they crave.
Either outfit is an attractive proposition, with both assured of Champions League qualification for next season, though City’s seemingly boundless financial might could see them viewed as the most attractive potential suitors.
That said, Eden Hazard declared he would listen to any offer Manchester United may make him as recently as this weekend, and after Sir Alex Ferguson’s personal scouting trip to see the Belgian in action, he could be in the driving seat to secure his signature.
Edinson Cavani most impressed Roberto Mancini via his Champions League exploits this season meanwhile, and goals in either outing against City in the group stage proved his credentials.
The powerful striker could be seen as the ideal replacement for Edin Dzeko, who is expected to move on this summer, and Mancini may be willing to outbid rivals to integrate the Uruguayan with his squad.
After an early exit from European competition this term too, Mancini is desperate to add further firepower to his ranks to avoid a similar instance recurring next season.
Fernando Llorente is another option, with the rangy striker’s strength and poise also seen as necessary attributes to succeed Dzeko and possibly Tevez, who could also exit Eastlands.
The Spanish forward has also impressed Ferguson though, notching in each of Athletic Bilbao’s victories over his Red Devils’ side in the Europa League, and he could be a potential replacement for the outgoing Dimitar Berbatov at Old Trafford.
With a reported combined fee exceeding £75million for each of these players, it is unlikely they will all join the same club this summer.
It could, however, prove the case that each player ends up in Manchester next season.
