Corinthians president Duilio Monteiro Alves has admitted frustration failing to sign Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani.

Alves held a press conference this week and revealed he made a failed approach to sign Cavani.

He told Globo Esporte: “I have to look for the best in the world. I may not be able to, but I will try.

“I admitted that I went after Cavani and became a laughing stock. I said that I went after Neymar and became a laughing stock.

"Corinthians is much bigger than these guys. My obligation is to go after the best. Who thought Willian would be here?"