Liverpool are reportedly closing in on an incredible deal to sign Manchester United loanee and AS Monaco forward Radamel Falcao at the end of the season – at the expense of Mario Balotelli.
The Colombian was considered Louis van Gaal’s marquee signing in the summer that was sure to add some much needed excitement to the Red Devils’ ageing attack, but the striker has been hugely underwhelming; having netted just four times in the Premier League since arriving at Old Trafford on September 1.
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Nonetheless, his form, according to the Daily Express, hasn’t deterred interest in his signature – and, astonishingly, Liverpool still believe he can perform well in England’s top flight, and are eyeing a loan deal.
Liverpool and Monaco are reportedly in advanced talks over Falcao moving to Merseyside on loan – with Rodgers, apparently, viewing the 29-year-old as the player he wants to replace the disappointing Mario Balotelli.
Falcao hasn’t been handed a start by van Gaal since February and, having not even reached double figures in goals scored for the club, in spite of his loan deal set to cost Manchester United over £25m (via the Sunday Times), a permanent deal at Old Trafford is most unlikely.
Balotelli, however, has arguably been in even worse form than Falcao; having scored just once in the Premier League – and Brendan Rodgers isn’t willing to give the Italian another season at Anfield to prove himself the reports suggest.
The Reds boss, claims the Daily Star, is prepared to take a substantial loss on the £16m paid for the former Manchester City forward last summer in order to free up funds for the Colombia international.
Though the Reds would have to part with a reported £35m to secure a deal – a truly stupendous figure for a loan move if true.
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