United to make Falcao bid

  Manchester United have emerged as the leading candidates to sign Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid, according to reports in Spain.

Spanish sports daily Marca has claimed United have already made contact with Atletico and a big-money deal for the 27-year-old, who is also a top target for Manchester City and Chelsea, could go through in the summer.

There is talk of a part-exchange deal involving Javier Hernandez, but Atletico are believed to want just a straight cash transfer and will allow the in-demand striker to leave for £50million.

Atletico have refused to comment on the speculation but if United have made an early offer for the Colombia international then fresh questions over Wayne Rooney’s long-term future at Old Trafford are certain to be raised.

Chelsea have held an interest in Falcao, who has scored 64 goals in 83 games for Atletico, for some time and there had been suggestions he could be involved in a deal that would see Fernando Torres head back to his old club.