Chelsea 'agree' deal for Edinson Cavani despite late interest from Manchester United

EDINSON CAVANI could be set to join Chelsea despite a late move from Manchester United manager David Moyes - after Napoli's official radio station claimed a £50m deal had been agreed with the Blues.

By: James Dickenson

Cavani is reportedly set to join Mournho (right) at Chelsea despite a late bid from United's Moyes

Chelsea and Manchester City have been tracking the Uruguayan international for some time, while today Manchester United were linked with a bid for the 26-year-old.

However, last night Napoli station Radio Marte declared a deal had been struck with Chelsea for a fee of nearly £50m, despite president Aurelio De Laurentiis' recent admission that his sky-high release clause expires on August 10.

"We have received news in the office from a very reliable source that Napoli have sealed a deal with Chelsea for Cavani's sale," announced the radio station.

Cavani is currently away on international duty with Uruguay at the Confederations Cup

We have received news in the office from a very reliable source that Napoli have sealed a deal with Chelsea for Cavani's sale

Napoli's official radio station Radio Marte

"(Manager) Rafa Benitez also gave the all-clear, but before making the move official Napoli want to secure the striker who will replace Il Matador.

"Aurelio De Laurentiis' club will pick up around €58 million (£49.3 million), a slight discount on the buy-out clause, which is the same situation as Ezequiel Lavezzi to PSG last year.

"The player will earn €8.5 million (£7.2 million) per season plus image rights."

If true, the move will leave City, United and Real Madrid as disappointed suitors, with all three European giants heavily linked with the Serie A hitman. ----------------------- Express