MANCHESTER UNITED will fight to keep Edinson Cavani at Old Trafford next month amid interest from Barcelona.
The Uruguayan, 34, signed a new 12 month deal with the Red Devils in the summer but has started only two matches this season.
His last appearance came way back in early November in the 2-2 draw at Atalanta and his situation has alerted a host of clubs.
Barca are among them but United’s recent problems with Covid have shown the importance of having a big squad.
Ralf Rangnick is believed to be keen to work with Cavani and as yet the forward has shown no signs that he is desperate to move.
Barcelona, who are 16 points off rivals Real Madrid and sit seventh in LaLiga, saw summer arrival Sergio Aguero forced into retirement last week.
The Manchester City legend, 33, was told by doctors not to play again because of cardiac arrhythmia.
Meanwhile, United hope to re-open their Carrington training ground today after it was shut down last week due to Covid.
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The Red Devils were first hit by the outbreak last Sunday just hours after their narrow win at Norwich.
It forced them to postpone the trip to Brentford last Tuesday and also Saturday’s home match against Brighton.
Interim boss Rangnick would have had just nine players available to face the Bees – and only seven for the weekend match.
United announced on Thursday they would close the first team section of their HQ for a ‘short period’ to help reduce the risk of a further spread.
They hope they will be able to resume on Tuesday although much will depend on how many players return a negative test.
United are not due to play until Monday 27 at relegation-threatened Newcastle before hosting Burnley three days later.
Rangnick had earmarked this blank week as a time when he could get some of his ideas into his players on the training ground – but those plans have been thrown into disarray.
Jesse Lingard was one player who was pictured training in isolation in recent days.
The England international has decided to see out the final few months of his United contract rather than pushing for a move in January.
That would allow him to leave for free in the summer and secure a sizeable signing on fee for himself.
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