Manchester City refuse to meet £54m buy-out clause for Edinson Cavani, say Napoli
Napoli claim Manchester City have pulled out of the race to sign Edinson Cavani over his asking price.
PresidentAurelio de Laurentiis, speaking at a news conference to officiallyunveil Rafael Benitez as the Serie A club's new manager, told reportersCity were not prepared to meet a £54m buy-out clause for thehighly-rated striker.
"Manchester City do not have money to pay for Cavani because they say we won't pay that," De Laurentiis said on Friday.
"Abu Dhabi (City's owners) say they would never pay 63m euros (£54m) for Cavani."
Real Madrid are leading the hunt for a player Chelsea also admire butthough De Laurentiis revealed the Spanish giants have bid for theUruguayan's services, he believes his exit is far from inevitable.
"At this time, Real Madrid are the only club who have made a firm offer for Cavani," De Laurentiis added.
"It is human, if Real Madrid call, to answer. He knows he has a clause and must decide.
"He could never deny the importance of a club like Real Madrid's, but don't forget that he made his name at Napoli.
"If a club like Anzhi (Makhachkala) enquire about him, maybe he saysno, but other clubs like Bayern (Munich), Barcelona or Real Madrid couldpersuade him to leave.
"He knows that he has a contract and an obligation to us, and there is a buy-out clause.
"Cavani knows that at Napoli he is the most important player. I donot know whether, at Real Madrid or in other teams, he will be asimportant."
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11679/8787088/Manchester-City-refuse-to-meet-54m-buy-out-clause-for-Edinson-Cavani-say-Napoli
