Edinson Cavani
Edinson Cavani

Real Madrid have earmarked Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani as a back-up option if they miss out on Liverpool's Luis Suarez, according to reports in France.

The 27-year-old Cavani, who joined the Ligue 1 champions from Napoli last summer and scored 16 goals in the 2013/14 season, is not satisfied with playing second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

According to Le 10 Sport, Real have been in contact with Cavani's representatives to inquire about his status at PSG. Talks with Cavani's agents started last autumn when they contacted Real, and even thought Los Blancos were very interested, they did not pursue the transfer. But now the situation has changed and Cavani presents an enticing option.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi earlier admitted that Cavani is not satisfied playing out wide, but also claimed the striker is happy with the French club, saying: "Perhaps he is not satisfied with his position, he is very happy in Paris."

"He wants to play as a central striker, but these things are for the coach to decide and maybe he will change the system for next season."

Real's first choice remains Suarez, but Liverpool are not willing to countenance the idea of selling their star forward this stage.

Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed it is likely Arsenal target Alvaro Morata will leave the club this summer, with his departure also likely to facilitate the signing of a world-class forward to complete their strike-force alongside Karim Benzema.