Chelsea closing in on Falcao loan deal
The Barclays Premier League champions are poised to bring the Colombia international back to England following last season’s unsuccessful stint with Manchester United.
The 29-year-old scored just four goals in 29 appearances for United and the club opted not to take up an option to sign the player on a permanent deal.
During an expensive loan for United, he was criticised by Van Gaal for a lack of fitness.That recent record may not have put off Chelsea, who are on the lookout for a new forward following the departure of Didier Drogba.
Manager Jose Mourinho recently spoke of his admiration for the player – who boasted a prolific record prior to joining United – but there has been no confirmation from either club of a possible deal.
Falcao first shone in Europe with Porto, scoring 72 goals in two seasons. Another 70 followed in the proceeding two seasons after moving to Atletico Madrid.
Monaco then splashed out £50million to secure his services in 2013 and United paid a £6m fee for their one-year loan, with an option to buy for a reported £43.5m, last summer.
However, returning from a serious knee injury that ruled him out of the 2014 World Cup, Falcao was unable to rediscover his best at Old Trafford.
Yet while United manager Louis van Gaal decided Falcao did not fit the bill, Mourinho spoke positively.
As a former Porto manager, Mourinho claimed an affinity with the player and said last week: “It really hurts me that people in England believe that Falcao is the guy they saw at Manchester United.
“He’s a player I know, one that I’ve followed since Atletico Madrid and if I can help Falcao arrive at his level I will do it.” Falcao is currently at the Copa America in Chile with Colombia.
West Brom are closing in on Wigan’s James McClean after agreeing a fee with the Latics.
The Baggies have had an offer of £1.5m accepted with the winger set to become boss Tony Pulis’ first summer signing.
Wigan are preparing for life in Sky Bet League One after they were relegated from the Sky Bet Championship last season.
McClean failed to save them from the drop despite scoring six times while playing under three managers.
The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international has netted 10 goals in 86 games since moving from Sunderland in 2013.
McClean will be the second Wigan winger to move to the Hawthorns this year after Callum McManaman’s January switch.
Paris St Germain are leading the race to sign Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, according to Barcelona presidential candidate Agusti Benedito.
The French midfielder is expected to leave Juve this summer with top European clubs, including Barcelona, Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain reportedly keen to prise the 22-year-old away from Turin.
“Our people had a meeting with Pogba’s entourage and it was made clear that he has an offer of €12m per season from PSG and he does not want to turn it down,” Benedito said. “And Juve will not sell him for less than €80m.
“I don’t discard it (his signing) but it’s not a case of Pogba yes or Pogba no.
“Considering those high demands, there are also other important players out there.” Pogba was an important member of a Juve side that won a Serie A and Coppa Italia double this season as well as reaching the final of the Champions League.
The France international, who joined Juve on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012, is under contract at the Italian champions for another four seasons.
Stoke have announced the signing of Spanish striker Joselu from Hannover for €8m. The 25-year-old German-born Spanish forward, who has previously played for Celta Vigo, Real Madrid B and Hoffenheim, becomes the Premier League club’s third summer signing following defender Philipp Wollscheid and goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard.
Southampton have made Juanmi their first signing of the summer after securing the Spanish forward on a four-year contract.
The 22-year-old arrives at St Mary’s from Primera Division club Malaga, for whom he scored eight league goals last season.
Manchester City prospect Angelino is to join sister club New York City on loan. The 18-year-old Spanish left-back will join the fledgling Major League Soccer outfit when the American transfer window opens on July 8, pending paperwork, and stay until the end of the season.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
