Manchester United have agreed to a sensational deal to sign Colombia striker Radamel Falcao on a season-long loan from Monaco, according to widespread British media reports on Monday.
The prolific 28-year-old forward, who missed the World Cup with a serious knee injury, has also been linked with Real Madrid, Manchester City and Arsenal.
But several media outlets, including the Press Association, the BBC and Sky Sports, reported that United had secured his services subject to a medical examination, on the final day of the close-season transfer window.
If completed, the deal would leave United manager Louis van Gaal with a rich pool of striking talent, as Falcao would join Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford.
Tom
Guest
I guess Arsenal couldn't afford him.
Bondy
Guest
He's a very good player to expensive for Wenger's Gunners ..
magila cutty
Guest
Well perhaps not ignored but they certainly haven't prioritized their weaknesses.
Midfielder
Guest
You gotta say when the big European clubs move ... they don'y mind spending the dosh...
aladdin sane
Guest
Not sure if i agree that they 'ignored' their deficiencies. Who knows who they tried and failed to bring in? Vidal, Hummels? Perhaps the clubs refused to sell. United have just expressed the caliber of player they are after, so perhaps they are willing to wait for the right player to come along instead of the right now.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
LvG stated he wants to play 4/3/3 once all the players are fit or once he'd purchases the right ones. Defence might look weak, but once Shaw and Rafael are fit that will make a difference. Plus once Rojo finally gets a work permit. But the key man for me is Michael Carrick. He's very underrated but he's a vital piece in united's team.
magila cutty
Guest
While you can't argue with recruiting Falcao they have ignored their obvious deficiencies in defense and mid field. Getting shot of the likes of Wellbeck and Kagawa while retaining Young and Fellaini looks a strange decision. So they've spent and got some real quality in however the squad looks unbalanced and well short at the back. It's looking good for another dismal year.
AZ_RBB
Guest
I don't get Rooney's obsession with playing as a striker. Yes, he has been successful there in the past but if the last two seasons are anything to go by, he is excellent as an attacking midfielder. Would love to see him in behind behind RVP and Falcao, with Di Maria on the left (??). Blind/Herrera as DM, Shaw and Rafael as wing backs and Rojo, Jones and Smalling/Jones as CBs.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
Robin van Persie is likely to miss 4-6 months with knee surgery. So much will depend on how Radamel Falcao's surgically repaired ACL stands up to thr very physical English premier league. No doubts at all, Falcao is the best striker on the planet. Manchester United have signed the correct player.
AZ_RBB
Guest
You would think getting service from Di Maria, Rooney and Mata would go a long way. Herrera and Blind should be strong in support as well. Valencia, Young, Januzaj, Fellaini and Carrick should add some decent depth in midfield. Cleverley and Anderson have a lot of expensive boots to clean. Big job ahead.
Fadida
Guest
Just need to find a way of creating chances. I counted 3 last week. It's hard to tell if Rooney and RVP are really flat (or past it), or whether the narrow style of play and their isolation is the cause. Just answered my own question. And the answer is not Ashley Young at left wing back.
Griffo
Roar Guru
What's ManU got in games remaining...36? 20-25 goals is not bad going and is doable for his record if he can get the service anywhere near goal (stats table from pete4's link):
AZ_RBB
Guest
At those wages, anything less than a 25 goal season is a failure. I know that's not how it works but when you demand those wages, fans and the club will demand those performances. I'll be happy if he gives 30 goals this season. Considering RVP is also expected to chip with 20-odd goals and Rooney and Di Maria 10 to 15 each, United should be looking at a 90+ goal season. Again, I know there's always more to it than just that but when you spend like this, those are the expectations you bring upon yourself.
pete4
Guest
Geez Falcao is on huge wages at Monaco. Must be top 4 or bust attitude at Man Utd: "They will pick up Falcao's £346,000-a-week wages - around £200,000-a-week after tax - as well as paying Monaco a £6m loan fee, taking the total cost of the package to £24m" http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/manchester-uniteds-radamel-falcao-transfer-4147956
Griffo
Roar Guru
Falcao-ing hell! That's how Marca.com in English put it. The rumours were strong for Falcao to be at the Santiago Bernabeu which would have seen a sick lineup there this season. If I was cynical I would think that Real Madrid and ManU hatched some swap deal as I would take Falcao over Javier Hernandez any day but maybe even Real Madrid have reached their spending limit? It also says that Wenger may have missed out on Falcao after letting slip his interest. If that is true is Wenger like the boy who peaks at his Christmas presents and crows about it, only to discover his brothers have swapped the tags on the day? Didn't Mourinho go for a player Wenger mentioned he had his eye on a season or two back?