Radamel Falcao could still make a permanent move to Manchester United at the end of the season. The striker is on a season-long loan but has scored only four Premier League goals.
Speaking to Nice-Matin , Vadim Vasilyev, Monaco’s vice-president, acknowledged the Colombian has not enjoyed his best season but said he could stay at United.
“I saw the Manchester United people last Sunday and they have not yet decided if they would exercise the option,” he said. “It’s not his best season but they kept the opportunity to make a decision at the end of the season.”
Under the terms of his loan, United have first option to sign the 29-year-old in the summer for £43.5m. However, Vasilyev said other clubs have been in touch to register their interest in Falcao but Monaco are waiting for United’s decision.
“We are not in any other negotiations, even if big clubs are interested,” he said. “The decision is with Manchester United, then we will discuss with the player what he wants. I would like to have more visibility.”
Vasilyev also detailed the circumstances that led to Falcao’s departure in last summer’s transfer window. “He had mishaps in Monaco. He had problems with the coach [Claudio Ranieri], there was a lack of understanding; he was also seriously injured and missed the World Cup. In late August, he came to tell us he wanted to play at a higher level.”
Monaco’s manager Leonardo Jardim was preparing for Wednesday’s second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Juventus when he was asked about the prospect of Falcao returning at the end of the season. “That is not a question for me but more the player and his representative, and the clubs involved,” he said. “I only worked with him for a month and, it’s true, he has not had a great season. But I’m sure he is capable of returning to the level he was in the past. I am convinced of that.”
