Monaco striker Radamel Falcao close to a transfer deadline day move to Manchester City

Posted Monday, September 01, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

Monaco striker Radamel Falcao close to a transfer deadline day move to Manchester City
MANCHESTER CITY hope to pull off a deadline day coup by signing Radamel Falcao in a deal which could top £35m.

Falcao was widely expected to sign for Real Madrid, and even tweeted a deal was done to take him to the Bernabeu on Saturday night.

But the Colombia striker later deleted that tweet and denied ever sending it - and sources close to the player insist City are currently the favourites to sign him.

Real have held talks about Falcao but last night their interest had only extended to a loan deal and not the permanent transfer Monaco want.

Falcao has also been chased by Arsenal, Chelsea and Juventus this summer - but sources at City are confident they can get him.

Signing the former Atletico Madrid striker could have knock-on effects for Alvaro Negredo, who has told City he wants out and could even end up back at Real or Valencia, who are thought to have made an approach to take the 29-year-old on loan.

He feels he has unfinished business at the Bernabeu where he failed to make the grade in two previous spells with the club but the move to Valencia may be more plausible as he seeks to fight his back into the Spain fold.

UNHAPPY: Negredo wants to leave the Etihad

A source close to the player said: "Alvaro is not happy in Manchester and a return to Real is interesting to him."

Manuel Pellegrini does not want to lose the striker, but talks are continuing between the two clubs.

The Spanish giants believe a permanent deal can be struck for around £20m which is at least £5m short of City's valuation, but a loan deal has also been discussed.

Negredo, who is currently injured, is seen by Real as a cheaper option to Falcao and more suited to sharing centre forward duties with first-choice striker Karim Benzema.

Chelsea appeared to have given up hope of signing Falcao when they confirmed that Loic Remy has signed a four-year deal with the club in a £10.5m move from QPR last night.

But Starsport understands their business may not yet be done, with Roma striker Mattia Destro still a target, and misfit midfielder Marco van Ginkel almost certain to join AC Milan on loan.

Remy, who snubbed late interest from Arsenal yesterday, said: "I feel very happy and very proud. When I heard Chelsea wanted to sign me I said: 'Let's go.'

"They are one of the best clubs in the world.

"I remember the amazing atmosphere at Stamford Bridge when I played there for Marseille and I can't wait to play there in front of my new fans."