Paris Saint-Germain deny attempting to pay-off Cavani

Paris Saint-Germain have denied suggestions they tried to offer Edinson Cavani a €1m (£881,000) payment to back down in a row with new team-mate Neymar, reports The Daily Telegraph.

Explosive claims published by Spanish newspaper El Pais claimed Cavani turned down a six-figure sum to surrender set-pieces to Neymar, while also suggesting the rift was in danger of dividing the squad.

However, PSG have reportedly denied these claims and believe Spanish media are trying to de-stabilise the club after they signed Neymar from Barcelona for a world-record £193m fee over the summer.

Neymar and Cavani where visibly angry with one and other during their 2-0 win over Lyon earlier this month after a disagreement about who should take set-pieces.

Cavani ended up missing a penalty during that match and it was alleged he later left the stadium without talking to anybody, fuelling speculation of a serious fall out in the squad.

A minor toe injury kept Neymar out of PSG’s 0-0 draw with Montpellier at the weekend, which would have been a further blow for Cavani, who was unable to lead Unai Emery’s side to victory in Neymar’s absence.

Despite their on-field differences, both players have made very good starts to the new season. Only Lionel Messi (9.12) has gained a higher WhoScored rating in Europe’s top five leagues than Neymar (8.91), while Cavani is Ligue 1’s top goalscorer (7).