Juventus and Real Madrid both wanted to sign Cavani from Danubio, claims ex-Palermo director Foschi

The much-coveted forward arrived in Sicily five years ago but he could easily have ended up in Turin or the Spanish capital, according to the Padova official

Rino Foschi has revealed that Palermo fought off competition from Juventus and Real Madrid to sign Edinson Cavani from Danubio in 2007.

The Uruguay international joined the Rosanero in a deal worth 4 million euros before moving on to current club Napoli three seasons later, and he has since established himself as one of the most lethal strikers in Serie A.

Indeed, Cavani is now being linked with a summer switch to one of Europe's elite, with Juve said to be particularly keen, but Foschi has claimed that the Bianconeri's interest in the player is nothing new, explaining that Palermo pipped the Old Lady to the forward's signature five years ago.

“We were already well placed when Juventus made their move,” the Padova director stated in an interview with Tuttosport.

“Our biggest rivals for him were actually Fiorentina and [director of football] Pantaleo Corvino, who wanted to take him to the Viola.

“Real Madrid also tried to sign him. Fortunately, the player’s agent was serious [about our deal for Cavani] and kept his promise with us.”

Juve, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are all said to be considering making a move for Cavani at the end of the current campaign.