Manchester City 'won't meet release clause for Napoli's Edinson Cavani'

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has suggested that Manchester City are out of the running for striker Edinson Cavani as they will not meet the £54m buyout clause.

The Uruguay international, who is currently on duty with the national team at the Confederations Cup, has been linked with the former Premier League champions, as well as Chelsea and Real Madrid.

"Manchester City don't have money to pay for Cavani becasue they say we won't pay that," De Laurentiis said during a press conference unveiling new manager Rafael Benitez. "Abu Dhabi (City's owners) say they would never pay €63m for Cavani."

The Serie A outfit have also stated that Chelsea have not initiated any talks with the club over Cavani.