Leeds set to miss out on free agent Cavani as striker ‘agrees £8.8m-a-season contract with Benfica’

 Edinson Cavani is set to join Benfica after reportedly agreeing a €10million-a-season (£8.8m) contract until 2023. 

The Uruguayan forward is a free agent after letting his contract at Paris Saint-Germain run down, bringing an end to a seven-year stay at the Parc des Princes.

Leeds and Bayern Munich had also expressed an interest in signing the 33-year-old.

But Cavani is expected to put pen to paper at the Portuguese giants next week, according to Sky Sports.

Cavani had confirmed talks with Benfica last weekend.

‘There were meetings with Benfica and other clubs. But nothing is yet defined, so I cannot say that there is a closed agreement. When everything is confirmed with a team, they will know it,’ he said.

When pressed on what attracted him to Benfica, Cavani replied they were ‘a great team’ that regularly competes in European competitions and that ‘many Uruguayans’ have represented the club in the past. 

The forward is a free agent after letting his contract at Paris Saint-Germain run down 

Leeds had drawn up an ambitious plan to bring him to Elland Road following promotion to the Premier League.

Owner Andrea Radrizzani told Sky Sport Italia: ‘In addition to his quality, Cavani could contribute with his physicality and adapt here, but I’ve never talked about him with the coach.

‘Having said that, we’ve certainly thought about him and we’ll see, given he’s still available on a free transfer.’

Cavani’s scored 200 goals in 301 games for Ligue 1 champions PSG after netting 104 in 138 matches for Napoli.

Leeds had also drawn up plans to sign him after owner Andrea Radrizzani’s glowing praise