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Radamel Falcao to leave Manchester United: Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham among possible destinations

Where will the Colombian be playing next season?

Simon Rice
Tuesday 24 March 2015 13:16 GMT
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Radamel Falcao
Radamel Falcao (GETTY IMAGES)

Radamel Falcao looks almost certain to leave Manchester United when his loan deal expires at the end of the season.

For all the excitement around the Monaco player's arrival last summer, the Colombian has been woeful. Managing to score just four goals for Manchester United, the 29-year-old can no longer command a place in the starting XI. Earlier this month he was even picked to play in the Under-21s, something his former agent claimed his old client had told him made him feel "weird".

A fee of £43.2m was agreed between Manchester United and Monaco for the permanent transfer of the player - however that fee looks increasingly extortionate and few expect Louis van Gaal to take it up.

So where will Falcao be playing next season? Numerous clubs have already been linked with making a move for the former Atletico Madrid player, including some in the Premier League. We take a look at the possibilities...

LIVERPOOL

According to reports, Falcao will be offered to Liverpool next season. Brendan Rodgers has been linked with a move for the Colombian in the past and with issues in attack, the Reds boss could return his attention to the striker. The loss of Luis Suarez last season has been compounded by injury problems for Daniel Sturridge, who has played just 16 games all season. In addition, those signed in a bid to compensate for the Uruguyan's move to Barcelona, Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli, have failed to make an impression. Due to Falcao's wage demands, any move will likely be dependent on qualification for the Champions League.

CHELSEA

With Jose Mourinho's side seemingly on an unstoppable march to the Premier League title this season, trying to sign Falcao perhaps seems unnecessary. However, as the move for Juan Cuadrado in January demonstrated, the Blues are not afraid to strengthen an already formidable squad. There are also issues in attack. Diego Costa has an ongoing hamstring problem whilst it is not clear if 37-year-old Didier Drogba will be offered an extension to the one-year contract signed last summer. That leaves just Loic Remy as a recognised striker, meaning an additional option would not be unwelcome. There are certainly the finances at Stamford Bridge to facilitate such a move and that Mourinho shares Falcao's agent, Jorge Mendes, can't do any harm either.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho (GETTY IMAGES)

TOTTENHAM

Spurs have also been linked with Falcao although they may struggle to finance the deal with Champions League qualification looking unlikely. However the need for attacking reinforcements at White Hart Lane is an issue the club will be acutely aware of. The emergence of Harry Kane this season has papered over the Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado shaped cracks in attack. Adebayor will have a year to run on his contract in the summer, but Tottenham are likely to try and move him on, whilst the same can be said for Soldado if an acceptable bid comes in. With those two on high wages, their departures could free up the finances required.

Emmanuel Adebayor has scored just twice for Spurs this season (AFP/Getty)

JUVENTUS

According to some reports Juventus have already opened negotiations with Monaco over a possible move in the summer. The Serie A side have a habit of moving for big-name strikers and Falcao fits the bill. With an impressive run in the Champions League this season, participation next campaign all but guaranteed and reports Carlos Tevez could return to Argentina make signing Falcao a real possibility.

Carlos Tevez could reportedly return to Argentina

MONACO

Falcao could simply return and stay at his parent club. After a major spending spree, the Ligue 1 side appeared to be tightening their belts with the exit of Falcao on loan and the sale of James Rodriguez to Real Madrid. However a run to the quarter-finals of the Champions League has reportedly reignited the interest of the club's owners which could make them keen to keep hold of the Colombian striker.

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