Manchester United in pole position to sign Falcao

By Chris Linnell

Today, the Red Devils have been sensationally linked with Atlético Madrid striker Radamel Falcao with Spanish newspaper Marca saying he is ‘just a step away from United.’

Despite widespread speculation that Falcao is destined for a move to either Manchester City or Chelsea this summer, new reports suggest that the Colombian hit man could be on his way to Old Trafford.

His current club have refused to comment on speculation suggesting Manchester United had made a move for their star striker.

The 27-year-old is one of the most coveted players in world football, and has been in terrific form this season with only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo outscoring him domestically.

The fee for Falcao would be huge. Atlético Madrid have a release clause in the player’s contract that is reportedly set at €60 million and he is contracted to the club until 2016.

Marca say that a ‘down payment’ has reportedly been made, which is similar to how former Atlético goalkeeper David De Gea made the switch to United. The deal was completed months before its official announcement, but speculation cast that aside until it was confirmed a few months later.

If this speculation is true, United are clearly looking to prove a point in the summer. They have already been linked with an audacious bid to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club, they are monitoring fellow Colombian player James Rodriguez and speculation says they may even try to land Gareth Bale should Spurs not qualify for the UEFA Champions League. It is clear that United are looking for a marquee signing.

However, the player himself has kept his counsel and always insisted he was concentrating on getting Atletico Madrid into the Champions League – a feat they are on the brink of achieving this season.

Marca is usually a transfer merry-go-round of rumours around this time and with no further stories appearing anywhere in the mainline press, we can only assume that this is simply just another rumour.

It’s hard to envisage United spending this sort of money on yet another striker, especially when the likes of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck are already contracted to the club.

Marca’s original article can be found by visiting the following link: http://www.marca.com/2013/04/10/en/football/spanish_football/1365576620.html.

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