Real Madrid Identify Manchester United Star Forward As Erling Haaland's Backup [Details]

Real Madrid reportedly have identified Manchester United's Edinson Cavani as their backup option if they fail to land Erling Haaland in the 2022 summer transfer window.

Cavani's contract with Manchester United is due to expire at the end of the 2021-22 season and the Uruguayan forward is expected to part ways. Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has given a "green light" regarding Cavani's transfer, reported Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The report further claimed that Cavani could join Real Madrid, "accepting his role" as a bench alternative for in-form forward Karim Benzema.

Real Madrid are believed to be evaluating an "interesting offer" for Cavani, who would move from Premier League to Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent. Even though he would be a short-term solution at Real Madrid, Cavani is expected to accept any offer from Los Blancos.

Cavani currently is sidelined with a calf injury. He has not played for Manchester United for a month now, having missed as many as four games, according to Transfermarkt.

Meanwhile, Haaland, who is contracted with Borussia Dortmund until 2024, has a release clause of around $81 million. Apart from this, any club wanting to sign him will have to further shell out $11 million on add-ons and $43 million on his agent Mino Raiola's commission.

Real Madrid have decided to not break the bank to sign Haaland, who has demanded wages of around $39 million per season. The La Liga supergiants are reluctant to offer a huge wage packet to a new recruit that could anger proven performers already at their disposal, according to Goal. However, International Business Times could not verify it independently.

In 26 competitive appearances for Dortmund in the 2021-22 season, Haaland has netted 25 goals and eight assists. After 30 games in Bundesliga, Dortmund are 11 points behind leaders Bayern Munich.