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Parents cause confusion in Cavani chase

Edinson Cavani is in no rush to make a move but is attracted by Chelsea and Manchester City © Getty Images

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Edinson Cavani's mother has revealed Manchester City and Real Madrid are the frontrunners to sign the Napoli striker, although his father has ruled out a move to the Premier League for his son.

Cavani, 26, has been strongly linked with a switch to Chelsea, but Manuel Pellegrini's expected arrival at City has led to suggestions they could snare the Uruguayan from the Blues' grasp.

Berta Gomez, mother of Cavani, told a Montevideo radio station that City and Madrid have entered negotiations with the Serie A top scorer, with his future set to be decided in the coming weeks.

"Edi is in talks with Manchester City and Real Madrid," Gomez said. "Napoli's president Aurelio De Laurentiis has spoken about the possibility of discussions with Chelsea but there is nothing definite with them at the moment.

"We will know more in 15 to 20 days. There are so many voices, and when something happens I will be the first to know.

"But Edi loves Napoli and, if he has to leave, he will never forget the love and warmth he has had from the fans. He and Naples will remain united forever."

The striker's father, Luis Cavani, however, said that his son has told the family that he wants to move to Madrid.

"Cavani's intention is to play for Madrid,'' he told Futboleros. "He is excited about it and is very willing to see it through.

"He has told the family in private that he wants to join Real Madrid but if he declares it publicly it will annoy Napoli.''

Cavani Snr also revealed that representatives from the Liga club have already held talks with the Uruguay international.

"There has been contact with Real Madrid's lawyers and now we are waiting for the two clubs to meet,'' he said. "I hope it happens and that talks take place as soon as possible. Who wouldn't want to play for Real Madrid?"

He did, however, concede that Napoli's reported €65 million valuation of his son could prove to be a stumbling block during negotiations with Madrid.

"It's not just up to Edi,'' he said. "They are talking about 65 million euros and Napoli won't negotiate for any less.''

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