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Edinson Cavani most recently played with PSG. PA
Pastures new

Edinson Cavani one of several deals completed by Man United on a hectic Deadline Day

Alex Telles is set to provide competition for Luke Shaw, while Chris Smalling has left.

Updated at 22.31

MANCHESTER UNITED signed Uruguayan international striker Edinson Cavani on Monday on a free transfer.

The striker had been searching for a new club since leaving PSG at the end of last season.

“Manchester United is delighted to announce the signing of striker Edinson Cavani,” the Premier League club said in a statement. “The Uruguay international joins on a one-year contract with the option to extend for a further year.”

The 33-year-old is PSG’s all-time top scorer, scoring 200 goals in seven seasons at the Parc des Princes.

Cavani could even make his debut against his former club as United open their Champions League campaign away to PSG on October 20.

“Manchester United is one of the greatest clubs in the world, so it is a real honour to be here,” said Cavani. “I’ve worked really hard during the time off and I feel eager to compete and represent this incredible club.”

Cavani will bring experience to a talented young frontline formed by Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood.

However, it is at the other end of the field that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are badly in need of fresh blood after conceding 13 goals in their opening three Premier League games.

“The opportunity for our young players to learn from one of Europe’s top goalscorers over the last 10 years is fantastic and it will really benefit them going forward,” said Solskjaer.

“He’ll bring energy, power, leadership and a great mentality to the squad but, most importantly, he’ll bring goals.

“He has had a brilliant career so far, winning trophies at almost every club he has played for, and he still has so much more to give at the highest level.”

Cavani won six Ligue 1 titles during his time with PSG and lifted the Copa America in 2011 with Uruguay.

“I have played in front of some of the most passionate supporters in football during my career and I know that it will be the same in Manchester,” added Cavani. “I cannot wait to experience the Old Trafford atmosphere, when it is safe for the fans to return.”

The Red Devils also responded to their defensive woes by signing Brazil left-back Alex Telles from Porto for a reported initial fee of £13.5 million pounds (€15 million) on Monday.

Telles agreed a four-year contract, with the option to extend by a further year, just 24 hours after United were thrashed 6-1 by Tottenham.

The 27-year-old is set to replace Luke Shaw at left-back as United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tries to plug the holes in his leaky defence.

“To join a club with the prestige of Manchester United is a huge honour. You have to work hard to get to this moment in your career and now I am coming to this club, I can promise that I will give everything in my heart to be a success here,” Telles told United’s website.

“I won many trophies at FC Porto and I want to continue that at United. The manager has a clear plan and direction for this team and I can’t wait to pull on the famous shirt.”

Solskjaer added: “First and foremost, I welcome Alex to United. He is a player we have been tracking for some time and his performances over the past few years are exactly what we are looking for. 

“He is a fighter and a winner and will add real determination and competition to the squad.

“Alex has the qualities, both as a player and as a person, that we want here at Manchester United.”

Telles, who won league titles among a number of honours at both Porto and Turkish side Galatasaray, is United’s second major signing since the end of last season following the arrival of Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek.

Meanwhile, United also confirmed this evening that out-of-favour defender Chris Smalling has left the club.

The England international has joined Roma for a reported fee of €15 million plus a further €5 million in add-ons, after a successful loan spell with the Italian club.

The 30-year-old scored three goals in 37 appearances in all competitions last season as Roma finished fifth in Serie A.

“Manchester United have reached an agreement with AS Roma for the transfer of defender Chris Smalling,” United said in a statement.

“The centre-back was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2010 from Fulham, and went on to make 323 appearances for the club, scoring 18 goals.”

United have also announced the signing of teenage centre-back Willy Kambwala from Sochaux.

The PA news agency understands the fee for the 16-year-old, who has captained France’s Under-17s, could rise to four million euros (£3.6m) with add-ons. He will immediately link up with Neil Ryan’s Under-18s squad.

It was also confirmed that teenage winger Amad Diallo will join the Premier League club in January.

Diallo, who is set to join United from Atalanta at the start of next year subject to a medical, personal terms and a work permit.

The PA news agency understands United have agreed to pay €21 million plus €20 million in add-ons for the 18-year-old Ivorian.

Meanwhile, Sergio Romero’s wife has criticised the treatment of United’s back-up goalkeeper in an Instagram post.

Romero has been David De Gea’s understudy for the last five seasons but seems to have fallen down the pecking order behind Dean Henderson, who has started in United’s two Carabao Cup matches this season, following his return to the club from two years on loan at Sheffield United.

Everton and Aston Villa have been linked with a move for the Argentina international who started the 2014 World Cup final, but an apparent reluctance to sell drew the ire of Eliana Guercio.

She wrote: “Sergio Romero worked hard for his club. Last trophy they won, they lifted it with him. He helped the team reach 4 finals/semi-finals and then he was left on the bench only to lose them all.

“It is time for them to return the opportunity and let him go. RESPECT FOR ONCE!!!!”

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