Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to tie down Edinson Cavani on a new deal at Old Trafford and says he'll sit down and "speak with him in the near future."

What's the word?

Cavani, 34, is currently free to leave the club at the end of the campaign unless he is offered a new contract by Ed Woodward and co, amid reports he is considering the next steps of his career.

The former Paris Saint-Germain striker has been in impressive form for the Red Devils since joining from the Champions League runners-up on a free in October.

However, his current £200k-per-week deal only runs until the summer, but Solskjaer has made it clear he wants to trigger an extension.

When asked about Cavani, who turned 34 earlier this month, the club legend was effusive in his praise for the veteran centre-forward and admitted he has been impressed by his performances.

Talking about his contract situation, Solskjaer said:

"I can only say Edinson has done well. I've been impressed by him, he's really gelled in the group.

"We'll sit down and speak with him in the near future to see his plans and our plans. It's a good discussion to have. We always speak to the players.

"And, with his contract situation at the moment, we're very pleased with what he's done."

Get it done

Cavani, who is valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, has been Mr Reliable for the Red Devils this season when it comes to goals and assists.

In his sole campaign so far, he's averaged a solid 0.4 goals per 90 in the Premier League, which is more than the likes of Anthony Martial (0.2) and Mason Greenwood (0.1), respectively.

He's also still averaging 1.4 shots per game in 17 top-flight appearances despite playing for a team that does not look quite at their best. United may sit second in the table, but domestically they have only won one league game in their past five fixtures.

Former United striker Diego Forlan himself has made it clear just how important he has become to Solskjaer's side. He said:

"I’m very impressed. It’s a different situation to [Luis] Suárez [at Atletico Madrid] as he had a six-month break without playing. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is doing a great job and giving him the minutes to thrive.

"He has an important role in the team and is helping the young players at a great club to settle in. He’s helping the team fight for titles which is very important.
"I’m confident he will keep getting the minutes, and with his physical strengths, I think he can continue playing for many years."

With an average WhoScored rating of 6.67, Cavani has continued to impress at Old Trafford, with only Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford scoring more goals than him in the Premier League this season.

If United have to pick one player to extend their stay at the Theatre of Dreams, Woodward shouldn't blink twice before offering him a new deal. It really is that simple.

Cavani's extension must be a top priority as Solskjaer continues to build a Red Devils side finally capable of challenging for silverware, they don't come as illustrious and experienced as the six-time Ligue 1 and Champions League runner-up.

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