“He’s a great player” – Barcelona boss speaks about interest in Manchester United player

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has hailed Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani as a ‘great player’, but remained coy on speculations linking the player with a move to Camp Nou.

The Uruguyan has been been great player for the club since joining over a year ago.

He has made just eight appearances for the club this season and is currently sidelined due to a tendon injury, although he is closing in on a return.

The 34-year-old has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford and has found playing time hard to come by due to the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Xavi confirmed that Catalan side are keen to bolster their options but concedes that the club’s financial situation ‘is not great’.

“The club is trying to strengthen the squad, and if we need to strengthen the squad with players coming in some will have to leave,” Xavi said on Friday.

“We’ll see what situation we’re in, what we can do, our financial situation is not great so we’ll see how we manage all these things.

“The club is trying to make somethign work and they are working very hard. But the reality is what it is.

“I’d rather talk about the players that we have and in case we do get a player in January I’ll talk about perhaps more specific types of players we need in each position and if there’s any players that will adapt to us.

“I’m not going to talk about names now, I’ll talk about the players we have now and tomorrow’s important game.”

When asked specifically about a move for Cavani, Xavi replied: “You didn’t hear what I said before, right? You haven’t been paying attention!

“I think he’s a good player, but I’d rather talk about the players who are here, who are important, who need the love of the fans and from us as well. But yes, Cavani is a great player.”