Falcao set to complete €60m Monaco switch

Radamel Falcao is set to have a medical with Monaco today before moving to the Ligue 1 club for €60m, according to reports in Spain.

The Colombia striker has long been linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid with Manchester United and Chelsea mooted as possible destinations.

However, it appears that Monaco have jumped to the head of the queue with the newly-promoted team having already recruited the likes of highly-rated Porto pair Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez for a combined fee of around €70m.

President Dmitry Rybolovlev is highly ambitious, evidenced by his capture of the Porto pair, who are former team-mates of Falcao who has scored 32 goals in 36 appearances this season.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone has already said he will not bear any grudge if the 27-year-old leaves.

Monaco assistant coach Jean Petit is reported to have told Radio RCN: “Yes, we are expecting Falcao and four or five other players of his quality. We have spoken and we continue to speak with Falcao and his representatives, negotiations are ongoing. We hope to seal a deal as soon as possible.

“Signing Falcao is a big coup on sporting and media levels for French football. Monaco need a player like Falcao.”

Meanwhile, Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Brazil striker Neymar from Santos. The 21-year-old will finalise a five-year-deal this afternoon.

A Barcelona statement read: “FC Barcelona and Santos have agreed terms for Neymar. The 21-year old is one of the most promising footballers on the planet.”

Neymar wrote on Instagram: “On Monday, I sign a contract with Barcelona. I want to thank the fans of Santos by these incredible nine years.

“My feeling for the club and the fans will never change. Titles, goals, dribbling, celebrations and songs that fans created for me will be forever in my heart. It’s a different moment for me. Sadness (farewell) and happiness (new challenge). May God bless me on my choices. I will always be in Santos!”

Santos said they had made every effort to keep hold of the player.

“Every effort was made to keep him in Brazil as long as possible, even offering to renew the current contract, which ends in July 2014,” the statement said.

“Due to the confidentiality agreement, and by mutual agreement, the terms of the transfer will not be disclosed by any of the parties.”