Reports in Spain indicate that Chelsea are on the brink of confirming a deal to sign AS Monaco striker Radamel Falcao.
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The Pensioners’ interest in the Colombian hitman has been public for some time, and Punto Pelota have reported that a deal is on the cusp of being finalised.
It is believed that Chelsea are not looking to loan the striker, and instead, are eyeing a £25 million-permanent signing for El Tigre, according to the Metro.
Spanish newspaper Marca claim that Falcao is confident that a deal with the Blues can be agreed.
Sky Sports report that both Zenit Saint-Petersburg and Valencia are keen on the forward, while Liverpool have also considered bringing the striker back to the Premier League according to Fichajes [via the Metro].
It is believed that superagent Jorge Mendes has been influential in the move, while Jose Mourinho will surely be expecting Radamel Falcao to challenge Loic Remy for the opportunity to support first-choice striker Diego Costa.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Falcao has come as something of a surprise considering the Colombian’s struggles with Manchester United last term.
The former Atletico Madrid and FC Porto man moved to Manchester last summer on a £6 million-loan deal with a weekly wage of £190,000 according to The Guardian. However, Louis van Gaal opted against activating the £43 million-buy-out clause in the forward’s contract following a disappointing maiden Premier League career, according to ESPN.
The forward only managed four goals in 26 EPL appearances during the 2014-15 campaign as United secured a fourth-place finish in the top flight.
United have already signed Dutch forward Memphis Depay in order to bolster their attacking options [via ManUtd.com], while Chelsea have been linked with French international Antoine Griezmann as they seek to further reinforce their title-winning squad, according to the Express.