Courtois keen on Benteke move

Thibaut Courtois thinks fellow countryman Christian Benteke could be just the man Atletico Madrid need to fill the gap left by Radamel Falcao.



Atletico snapped up young Rayo Vallecano striker Leo Baptistao on Monday as they seek to replace the prolific Falcao and have also been linked with a number of other forwards.



One of these is Benteke, who won himself a long list of admirers with his performances for Aston Villa last season, and goalkeeper Courtois believes Atletico would get themselves a "great signing" if they lure the 22-year-old to the Vicente Calderon.



"He's a very strong centre-forward, tall, but with very good technique and skilful with the ball at his feet," said Courtois, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Atletico from Chelsea.



"I think that he could be a great signing for Atletico. During these days with the national team I'm going to ask him about his future."



Courtois added of the former Genk forward in quotes reported by the Spanish press: "I know him well, we played together when we were young. Benteke is a player who has worked hard, he left Genk and had several loans spells that has helped him grow.



"He had a sensational 2011/12 season with Genk and that led to the attention from the Premier League."

OFFICIAL: Falcao joins AS Monaco

AS Monaco have confirmed the signing of Atletico Madrid forward Radamel Falcao.



The Colombian passed a medical at the newly-promoted Ligue 1 club on Thursday after the French club met his release clause of €60m.



The move is a huge coup for Monaco, who have vast financial backing despite their lowly status, having only just been promoted to Ligue 1 this season. The move comes after the club also completed the signings of Falcao's international teammate James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho, both from Porto.



Spending is expected to continue for the club, who are also rumoured to be close to completing a move for Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes as they attempt to put together a squad capable of qualifying for the Champions League and challenging the likes of Paris Saint-Germain in France.



Atleti will now face the daunting prospect of replacing the Colombian, who was key to an excellent La Liga campaign for the club this season, as he scored 28 goals in just 34 games.

Courtois has faith in Chelsea

Thibaut Courtois believes that Chelsea's youth policy will give him a chance of a successful future at Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian goalkeeper has spent the last two seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid since joining Chelsea from Racing Genk in June 2011.



The 21-year-old has already played for his country at senior level and is seen as a long-term replacement for Petr Cech, but has earned glowing reviews during his stint at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.



He said:

"Chelsea have the young players that maybe in two or three years' time can win everything.



"I signed with Chelsea, not just because it is a big club but also because of its commitment to young players. I want to be part of Chelsea history."



However, Courtois is open-minded as to whether or not he will get the chance to impress with his parent club.



He said: "Chelsea have always been very fair with me and they are also smart people and they know that I need to play.



"I don't know where that will be but I do know I have proved myself in the two years I have been here (in Madrid)."

Falcao is happy at Atletico

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao insists he is happy to stay at the club despite speculation over a summer move.



Falcao has been linked with a switch to Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as Monaco, but the former Porto favourite believes he will only move if the Spanish Cup winners decide to cash in on his services.



The 27-year-old Colombia international is under contract with Atletico until 2016.

"I haven't thought about a move too much," Falcao told Sky Sports News. "The reality is that I have three years left on my contract with Atletico.



"I haven't thought about a move too much. The reality is that I have three years left on my contract with Atletico."

Radamel Falcao

"It's true that last season during the summer there was a lot of speculation with clubs being named as a possible destination, but the truth is that I've not thought about it.



"Of course, it depends on what the financial needs of my club are and what sort of efforts Atletico make to keep me.



"I've been trying not to think too much about the rumours of clubs being linked with me.



"Instead, I've been focusing on my objectives as a player and as a team member of Atletico Madrid."

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Falcao backed for move

Radamel Falcao has the full backing of Atletico Madrid as he is set to choose his next club this summer.

The Colombia international is regarded as the best striker on the planet and has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Monaco in recent months.

Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin insists that, having already replaced stars such as Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero, he is relaxed about the player's exit and admitted that the club had agreed to allow him to leave if he stayed for this season.

"Atletico knows how to change good strikers," Marin told.

"Fernando Torres, Forlan, Aguero and now Falcao.

"We don't know who exactly will be the next one but we know Atletico will have a strong team next season.

"Before the start of the season we talked with the player and we promised him that if he kept the same performance and helped us to the UEFA Champions League, Atletico would help him.

"Every decision that he takes, Atletico will be with him."

Falcao has scored 70 goals in two seasons at Atletico and has succeeded in helping secure Champions League football for the club with the Madrid outfit set to finish third in La Liga.
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Falcao plays down exit talk

Radamel Falcao has once again dismissed reports he is set for a summer departure from Atletico Madrid, claiming he is more than happy to see out his contract in Spain.



The 27-year-old has been strongly tipped with a move away from the Primera Liga, with Monaco the latest name to be linked with the Columbian, while Chelsea and Manchester United are also thought to be keen admirers of the forward.



Falcao, though, insists there is no truth in any of the reports he is on the verge of leaving the Vicente Calderon Stadium, and is adamant his focus is solely on Atletico Madrid, who face city rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on Friday evening.



"I don't know anything (about a transfer), and the only thing that I have in my mind and keep concentration is on Atletico Madrid," he is quoted as saying.



"I don't know anything. I keep myself apart of what is being said. If it was for the press, I have already been transferred to all the teams in Europe, like Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United.



"I don't find true any news that is being said about me".



He added: "The only real thing is that I am under contract until 2016, all the rest is only speculation. I don't know anything about Monaco. I have my mind focused where I am."




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La Liga top guns secure wins

It is as you were in Spain's Primera Liga as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid all recorded comfortable wins on Sunday.

Cristian Tello bagged a brace while Thiago was also on target as Barcelona eased to a 3-0 victory over Real Zaragoza at La Romareda.

Zaragoza came into the match having taken just 27 points from 30 matches and occupying 18th place.

And their performance replicated their standing as Tito Vilanova's team - 13 points clear of second-placed Real Madrid - dominated from the off.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid coasted to a comfortable 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Ronaldo struck with a fine free-kick in the second minute before heading a second after 69 minutes.

Gonzalo Higuain scored a third as Jose Mourinho's side made sure the gap to leaders Barcelona stayed at 13 points. Defeat left Bilbao eight points above the relegation zone.





Radamel Falcao scored twice as Atletico Madrid continued their bid for a top-two finish with a comprehensive 5-0 home win over Granada.

Falcao, who was the centre of more transfer speculation this week with Manchester United mooted as a possible destination this summer, struck in the 27th and 47th minutes to take his tally to 30 in all competitions this season.

Diego Costa, Raul Garcia and Filipe Luis were also on the scoresheet as Diego Simeone's men made it 14 wins from 16 league matches at the Vicente Calderon this season while also keeping up the pressure on second-placed Real Madrid.

Real Sociedad continued their outstanding run of form with a convincing 2-0 win away to Rayo Vallecano.



Two goals by Imanol Agirretxe in the opening 14 minutes set the Basque side on their way to victory and although they took their foot off the gas somewhat in the second half, they were always in control of the game.

This was Sociedad's fifth win in seven games and means they maintain their grip on fourth spot in the Primera Division table, staying four points clear of Malaga and moving four points ahead of Valencia.

Atletico Madrid opens door to Torres

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has seemingly opened the door for a possible return of Fernando Torres.

Torres has endured a torrid stay at Stamford Bridge since joining from Liverpool in January 2011 for £50million.

In 74 league games he has scored just 14 times, which is a shadow of his Liverpool form where he hit 65 goals in 102 Premier League appearances.

The 29-year-old began his career with Atletico Madrid and is still revered by their fans, and now Simeone has refused to rule out a possible return.

"Fernando Torres is currently playing for another team. We have to wait for the season to finish and decide which of the available players could come here and do a good job," Simeone told Onda Cero.

"Fernando knows about the club's history, what it means to play here and I don't need to speak about his ability.

"We were team-mates. I know how important he can be."

Simeone admits he does not know if a deal could be struck, adding: "It's complicated. I wouldn't like to say yes or no. He's a player who always performs and we have to respect his choice."

With Chelsea being strongly linked with Atletico's Radamel Falcao - a player-swap plus cash deal has long been mooted.

Simeone was also quizzed about the future of the Colombian, and said: "I'm not Falcao and I'm not his agent. I'm the manager and have the utmost respect for him, because he gave me so much at River Plate and has done the same here.



"He always gives his all and I really respect players who do that. But everyone makes their own decisions in life. Every person is different, and we have to respect each other. Those who stay are always going to be the best."

Bernabeu to host all-Madrid final

The Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will be played at the Bernabeu stadium on Friday17 May, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have announced.



The RFEF took the decision following a meeting with representatives of both clubs today, with the kick-off confirmed for 21.30 local time. The last Copa del Rey final to be staged at Real's Bernabeu home was in 2007, when Sevilla beat Getafe. Since then, Atletico's Vicente Calderon stadium has held two finals, in 2008 and again last year when Barcelona defeated Athletic Bilbao.



Real and Atletico have met four times in finals, with the Rojiblancos winning on three occasions. However, Atletico have not beaten their city rivals in any competition in over a decade.



Emilio Butragueno, representing Real at the meeting with Atletico's Clemente Villaverde and RFEF secretary general Jorge Perez, welcomed the decision to hold the match at the iconic 85,000-seater venue.



"We have agreed on everything," Butragueno said in quotes reported by Marca. "We've shown that we have an extraordinary relationship between the two clubs. We had maintained in recent days to reach this agreement and we are very pleased. The decisive factor was the capacity of our stadium. Hopefully this is a celebration of football."



A total of 30,000 tickets will be distributed to each team.

Europe's top 4 has surprise guests

We are currently a third of the way through the season in Europe's four biggest leagues, and, despite not having an invite to the party, several unexpected teams have managed to gatecrash top spots in the Premier League, the Spanish 'Liga BBVA', Italy's 'Seria A' and the German 'Bundesliga'.



West Bromwich Albion. The great revelation in the Premier League, the 'Baggies' are currently in third spot, three points off second placed City and four points from United in top spot. They've made their stadium a fortress (six wins from seven home games) and Long, Odemwingie, Morrison and Lukaku have all been outstanding.



Atlético de Madrid. The club from Spain's capital city has surprised with an effective and attractive playing style. Last season Simeone warned: "Atlético could provide a challenge". With 34 points, the team is second, just one victory behind Barcelona and eight points ahead of Real Madrid. Anything's possible with Falcao in the side.



Fiorentina. The 'Viola' are second in Serie A, behind Juventus. The Italian side seems reborn with fantastic performances from Jovetic, top scorer with six goals, and Borja Valero, the team's midfield mastermind.



Eintracht Frankfurt. A team that was only promoted to the top flight recently has got into the Champions League spots, and is nipping at the heels of the almighty Bayern, Dortmund and Schalke 04. Alexander Meier is the team's star performer with nine goals.

Falcao: Happy at Athletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid striker Falcao has spoken of his desire to win titles with the club after making an impressive start to the new season.



Having already won the UEFA Super Cup this season, Falcao, 26, is aiming to win more silverware this season and insists he is happy where he is.



An impressive start by Atletico sees them sitting top of their Europa League group, and second in La Liga just three points behind leaders Barcelona and five points above fierce rivals Real Madrid.



The Colombian striker has already netted 10 league goals this season and firmly believes this could be a great season for himself and his club.



"I am very happy at Atletico Madrid," said Falcao.



"I am enjoying how it and my main objective is to continue scoring goals so that we can bring great success to the club.



"2012 is my year without a doubt and I believe I can win titles, but only with the help of my team mates at both Atletico and Colombia."

Thursday's round up of the top transfer stories

- Chelsea defender David Luiz came up against Radamel Falcao on Wednesday night - and the Brazilian wants to see the Atletico Madrid striker at Stamford Bridge.



- Roman Abramovich is ready to concede his £50million gamble on Fernando Torres has failed and step up his pursuit of Colombia sensation Radamel Falcao.



- Chelsea target Stephan Lichtsteiner is happy at Juventus and has no intention of leaving Turin in January, according to his agent.



- Luis Suarez has dismissed talk linking him with a move away from Liverpool saying he is happy with life at Anfield.



- Liverpool’s manager is rebuilding his squad and wants to raise money by selling Stewart Downing.



- Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has played down talk of a contract dispute with Raheem Sterling over a new deal for the youngster.



- Liverpool and Manchester City have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Sassuolo striker Domenico Berardi according to the club's general director, Nereo Bonato.



- Christian Atsu says he wants to reject offers from Premier League clubs in favour of staying at Porto.



- Manchester United are battling it out with Inter Milan and Juventus to land Colombia starlet Juan Fernando Quintero, according to talkSPORT.



- Everton manager David Moyes was among scouts monitoring Norway defender Vegard Forren, 24, during their 2-0 win over Hungary on Wednesday.



- The agent of Fluminense teenager Wallace claims his proposed move to Chelsea is almost done and says he will play at Stamford Bridge rather than going out on loan.



- Arsenal target Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has ended speculation over his future by signing a contract extension with Montpellier.



- West Brom are leading the growing pack of clubs interested in Lokeren defender Laurens De Bock.



- Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has set his sights on German goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald.



- Swindon have signed Norwich striker Chris Martin on loan until 5 January.



- Tony Watt has committed his future to Celtic after the club confirmed he had signed a new long-term deal.



- Athletic Bilbao have stated that Fernando Llorente will not be allowed to leave the club in the winter transfer window in a bid to end speculation about his future.



- Juventus are monitoring Theo Walcott's contract negotiations closely - and the Italian champions could try to tempt the Arsenal striker to Turin next summer.



- Juventus are set to step up their interest in Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov, according to talkSPORT.



- Schalke general manager Horst Heldt says the club are working overtime to ensure Lewis Holtby and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar remain in Germany and do not move to the Premier League.



- Ajax have raised the stakes in the fight for Christian Eriksen by claiming they will sell the Liverpool and Manchester City target for 'a big bag of money'.



- Hannover forward Didier Ya Konan has fuelled transfer speculation by admitting that he hopes to turn out in the Premier League at some stage.

Europa League round-up

• Reigning champions Atletico Madrid are all but through to the knockout stages after a 2-1 win over Academica.
  


• Goals from Diego Costa and Emre saw the Spanish side home despite a late Salim Cisse consolation.
  


• Dnipro also retain a 100% record with a 3-1 win over Napoli, as do Lyon thanks to Jimmy Briand's late goal in their 2-1 win against Athletic Bilbao.
  


• But Marseille, who had topped their group, slipped to third after losing 2-0 away to Borussia Monchengladbach.
  


• Watch Europa League highlights HERE.

GROUP A



Liverpool head the group after a crucial 1-0 win over Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala, thanks to a Stewart Downing strike after 53 minutes.

Udinese suffered a shock 3-1 defeat away to bottom side Young Boys in Switzerland with Raul Bobadilla grabbing a stunning hat-trick.



GROUP B



Reigning champions Atletico Madrid maintained their 100% record with a 2-1 win over Academica, Diego Costa and Emre Belozoglu netting before Salim Cisse hit a late consolation.

Plzen moved clear in second with a 2-1 win at Hapoel Tel Aviv. Frantisek Rajtoral hit the late winner before home defender I'yad Hutba was sent off.



GROUP C



Egeman Korkmaz scored in the 72nd minute to give Fenerbahce a 1-0 win at AEL Limassol and move them top.

Marseille, who started the night heading the table, lost 2-0 at Borussia Monchengladbach. The result moves the Germans level with their opponents on four points, with the Turkish side now out in front on seven.



GROUP D



Newcastle strengthened their hold on the group, winger Gabriel Obertan giving them a 1-0 win over Club Bruges, while second-placed Bordeaux were held 1-1 at Maritimo.

Yoan Gouffran's opener for the visitors was cancelled out by Roberge Valentin six minutes later.



GROUP E



Steaua Bucharest extended their lead at the top as goals from Vlad Chiriches and Raul Rusescu gave them a 2-0 win over Molde.

Group rivals Stuttgart and FC Copenhagen played out a goalless draw in Germany.



GROUP F



Raul Bobadilla (left) scored an impressive hat-trick as Young Boys overcame Udinese.

Dnipro went five points clear at the top with a 3-1 win over Napoli in Ukraine - Artem Fedetskiy, Matheus and Giuliano scoring before Edinson Cavani replied with a late consolation.

PSV Eindhoven and AIK drew 1-1 in Holland with Kwame Karikari putting the previously pointless Swedes in front on the hour before Jeremain Lens equalised with 10 minutes to go.



GROUP G



Elyaniv Barda headed a late winner as Genk stayed unbeaten at the top of the group after coming from behind to see off Sporting Lisbon 2-1 in Belgium. Barda struck with three minutes to go after Sporting's Khalid Boulahrouz was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Hungarians Videoton beat Basle 2-1 with Fabien Schar atoning for an early own goal by scoring at the right end in injury time.



GROUP H



Rodrigo Palacio headed home an 88th-minute winner as Inter Milan saw off Partizan Belgrade at the San Siro and all but booked their place in the knockout stages.

Inter are now joint top on seven points with Rubin Kazan. Alan Kasaev's 16th-minute goal proved enough to see off Azerbaijan side Neftci in Russia.



GROUP I



Rodrigo Palacio (left) scored an 88th-minute winner for Inter Milan over Partizan Belgrade.

Lyon maintained their 100% record with a 2-1 win over last year's beaten finalists Athletic Bilbao . A Lisandro Lopez opener was cancelled out by Ibai Gomez before Jimmy Briand struck the winner four minutes from time.

Goals from Ladislav Krejci, Vaclav Kadlec and Ondrej Svejdik helped Sparta Prague to a 3-1 win over Hapoel Kiryat Shmona. Lyon now ead the group on nine points with Sparta clear in second on six.



GROUP J



It took a Jose Toche injury time equaliser for Panathinaikos to draw 1-1 with Lazio in Group J. An earlier own goal from defender Giourkas Seitaridis looked set to give the Italians the points before Toche's final touch.

Gylfi Sigurdsson earned Tottenham a point in a 1-1 draw at Maribor, who led through Robert Beric. Lazio remain unbeaten on five points with Maribor in second, but all four sides in the group are still in the running.



GROUP K



Bonfim Marlos and Cleiton Xavier gave Ukrainians Metalist Kharkiv a 2-1 win at Rosenborg after the Norwegians had led through Tarik Elyounoussi's 46th-minute strike.

But Metalist Kharkiv still conceded top spot in the group to Bayer Leverkusen, whose impressive 4-0 win at Rapid Vienna took them first on goal difference.



GROUP L



Hannover stay top after a 2-1 win at Helsingborg. Mame Biram Diouf opened the scoring for the Germans with Alvaro Santos equalising in injury time, only for Didier Ya Konan to restore Hannover's advantage in the third minute of added time.

Levante moved clear in second place with a 3-0 win over Twente, a Michel penalty followed by Pedro Rios adding a late double.

Tuesday's round up of the top transfer stories

- AC Milan are stepping up their efforts to land Manchester United winger Nani, according to reports in Italy.



- Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo believes that Radamel Falcao will not leave the club in January, even if a club meets his release clause.



- Injured Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi could be set for a move to Inter Milan in January, according to his agent.



- AC Milan are ready to flog Kevin Prince Boateng to Bayern Munich to fund their move for Manchester United target Kevin Strootman, according to talkSPORT.



- Galatasaray chief executive Lutfi Aribogan has revealed out-of-favour Arsenal left-back Andre Santos is on the club's wishlist but says there has been no contact with the Gunners.



- Paris Saint-Germain will attempt to see off competition from both Manchester clubs and Real Madrid by offering Ashley Cole a £150,000-a-week three-year deal worth £23m, according to Dailymail.



- Tottenham winger Gareth Bale, who has been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid, should join Jose Mourinho's side if he moves to Spain, former Los Blancos striker Davor Suker has told BBC Wales.



- Chelsea are showing interest in signing Lazio midfielder Senad Lulic, according to talkSPORT.



- Jermaine Pennant is relishing the chance to get his career back on track at Wolves after joining the Championship side on loan.



- Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool, believes he can become a better player by remaining in Amsterdam.



- West Ham keeper Stephen Henderson has completed his three-month loan move to Championship club Ipswich.



- Santos midfielder Felipe Anderson is aware of reports linking him with AC Milan, but claims no contact has been made.



- Sky Sports understands Bristol City have signed former Bolton defender Nathan Battersby on a short-term deal.



- Barcelona Andres Iniesta wants to end his career at the club - dashing any feint hopes Manchester City had of signing the midfielder, according to talkSPORT.



- Arsene Wenger has asked to be kept informed of any developments involving Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, according to reports in Spain.



- Liverpool have dismissed the idea of making a £20million move for Daniel Sturridge in the January transfer window.



But Reds boss Brendan Rodgers would be interested in a deal for the England striker if he is allowed to take him on loan to begin with, according to Dailymirror.

Monday's round up of the top transfer stories

- Neymar has hinted that he could be tempted by a move to England amid reports that he is wanted by Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid, according to Sky Sports.



- Arsenal are preparing to step up their interest in Atletico Madrid forward Adrian Lopez, according to The People.



- Ashley Cole is ready to walk out on Chelsea at the end of the season after failing to agree terms on a new contract. Cole is adamant he will not sign a one-year extension.



- Paris Saint Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti has hinted he is ready to make a move for Roma's Daniele De Rossi in January.



- Anzhi Makhachkala are keen on signing Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic, according to the Daily Star.



- And United are considering selling Vidic next year, according to Goal.com.



- Barcelona defender Andreu Fontas has joined Real Mallorca on loan after the Balearic outfit were given permission to make an emergency signing.



- Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone has dismissed claims he is looking to return to Italy.



- Radamel Falcao, who is a target for Chelsea and Manchester City, would be a success in the Premier League, according to City midfielder Javi Garcia, who has told Sport360 that he would love to see the Atletico Madrid striker move to the Etihad Stadium.



Falcao was linked with both Chelsea and Premier League champions Manchester City throughout the summer and is believed to be a January target for both clubs.



- Chelsea outcast Florent Malouda is set for a January move to Brazilian club Santos.



- Sky Sports understands Manchester United have rejected several enquiries from Championship clubs to take Robbie Brady on loan.



- MK Dons boss Karl Robinson has rejected the notion of striker Ryan Lowe joining Tranmere on loan.



- Liverpool are lining up an ambitious La Liga double swoop for Atletico Madrid winger Arda Turan and Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez, according to talkSPORT.



- Chelsea could add to their growing Brazilian contingent with a move for Corinthians anchorman Paulinho.



- Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool could consider making a move for AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng in January, according to reports in Germany.



- Fulham midfielder Pajtim Kasami could leave the club in January, according to Swiss newspaper Sonntags Zeitung.



- Tottenham are to make a move for Valencia attacking midfielder Jonas in the January transfer window, according to reports in Spain.



- According to the programme 'Futboleros', on MARCA TV, Real is combing the market for a goalkeeper to compete with Casillas and who would be a suitable reliable replacement for him in case of injury or suspension.



- Manchester City are in no rush to extend Yaya Toure's contract, according to reports.

Thursday's round up of the top transfer stories

- Liverpool are monitoring the availability of Barcelona forward Alexis Sanchez, according to Portuguese newspaper Jornal Record.



- Atletico Madrid have put Chelsea and Manchester City on alert by admitting Radamel Falcao could be sold, with general manager Miguel Angel Gil Marin stating that the club would benefit should the Colombia international be bought out of his contract.



- AC Milan are preparing to launch a January bid for Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, according to Goal.com.



- Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama has admitted to SuperSport he is aware of reported interest from Manchester United, but believes the transfer talk is just speculation.



- Inter Milan have made contact with Bacary Sagna's agent as they consider launching a bid for the Arsenal defender, according to Corriere dello Sport.



- Liverpool and Manchester City are front-runners in the race to sign Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, according to Goal.com.



- Chelsea are showing interest in BK Hacken striker Waris Majeed, according to the Daily Mail.



- Manchester United are showing interest in signing Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes, according to NEWSru.



- Liverpool are preparing to step up their interest in Hamburg winger Son Heung-Min, according to the Daily Mail.



- Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has revealed that he wants to stay at the club despite being relegated to the bench for the majority of this season, Sky Sports understands.



- Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero has revealed that he rejected the chance to join Liverpool due in part to the Heysel tragedy of 1985, according to Sky Sports.



- Nemanja Vidic’s agent Silvano Martina has rubbished reports suggesting that the Manchester United defender will join Serie A champions Juventus when the transfer window reopens in January, Sky Sports reports.

Falcao: I'm not targetting Messi, Ronaldo

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao has said that he is more concerned with helping his team do well this season than fighting Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the Pichichi award as the leading scorer in La Liga.

Falcao struck twice in last night's 4-2 win over Real Betis to take his tally to seven in five league games this season, leaving him one clear of Barcelona ace Messi at the top of the scoring charts. Last season Messi won the Pichichi with an astonishing 50 goals, four ahead of 2011 winner Ronaldo, with Falcao third on 24 goals in his first year in Spain following his big-money move from Porto.



Falcao's superb start to the season - he also netted a hat-trick in the UEFA Super Cup against Chelsea and got goals in both of Colombia's FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers earlier this month - suggests he could challenge Messi and Ronaldo to finish as top scorer, but the 26-year-old insists that is not his driving force.

He said: "I didn't say I wanted to compete with Cristiano and Messi. I simply want to score goals to help my team, nothing more. At the end we'll see where I am. The most important thing is that the team fulfils their objectives. We are competing with 19 other teams, not only against Madrid and Barça."

Atletico's win over Betis saw them move into second place in La Liga on 13 points, two behind leaders Barça. Falcao limped out of the clash in the 53rd minute with an injury, and Atletico coach Diego Simeone will be keeping his fingers crossed that his star striker will be fit for this weekend's trip to Espanyol.



Falcao said in AS: "I hope to be able to face Espanyol even though I have some pain and I had to retire early."

Falcao at the double against Real Betis

Atletico Madrid's winning streak continued as star striker Radamel Falcao inspired a comeback victory over nine-man Real Betis tonight.



Falcao cancelled out Salvador Agra's bizarre opener before Juan Carlos nudged Betis ahead before half-time.



But the free-scoring Colombian made it 10 goals from six games with a penalty following Damien Perquis' professional foul just after half-time to make it 2-2 before Diego Costa put the visitors ahead in the 55th minute.



Raul Garcia then sealed a fourth straight win in the 90th minute after Joel Campbell's late dismissal.



Atletico midfielder Gabi whipped a speculative strike over the crossbar as both teams sized each other up, and then Arda Turan tested Betis goalkeeper Casto with a drive from distance.



But it was the hosts who took the lead in the 26th minute.



Agra's misleading cross evaded all his team-mates and crucially, Atletico keeper Sergio Asenjo, as the ball somehow ended up in the net.



The lasted just two minutes though as Falcao swept in Garcia's cross from six yards to make it 1-1 and Atletico might have edged ahead if Cristian Rodriguez had kept a snapshot on target.



Casto repelled efforts from Garcia and Falcao and it seemed Betis would settle for parity at the break.



But Juan Carlos thought differently, taking aim and beating Asenjo from just outside the box before the half-time whistle sounded.



Atletico were level again three minutes after the interval, though, Falcao placing his spot-kick out of reach after Perquis had been dismissed for hauling him down in the area.



There was concern for the visiting fans as Falcao went down injured in the 52nd minute, Costa his replacement, but their fears was allayed somewhat as the new man made an instant impact.



Joao Miranda wriggled free down the right wing to tee up the Brazilian, who clipped underneath Casto to give Atletico the lead for the first time.



Betis boss Pepe Mel threw Arsenal loanee Campbell into the fray, but the Jamaican striker picked up a booking for a foul on Juanfran just four minutes after his arrival.



And Campbell received a second yellow and his marching orders in the 78th minute when the referee called deliberate handball.



There was no way back for Betis from that point and Garcia duly added gloss to the comeback by putting Turan's cute pass away deep into stoppage time.

Capello: Falcao reminds me of Messi

Russia coach Fabio Capello says Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao has left a similar first impression on him than that of Lionel Messi.



The 26-year-old has been in sublime form in the opening weeks of the 2012/13 campaign, netting hat-tricks against Athletic Bilbao and Chelsea, and his good performances have earned him positive words from the former England boss.



"Throughout my entire career, there has been only one player who impressed me as much as Messi when I first saw him against my Juventus at the Joan Gamper trophy, and that is Radamel Falcao," Capello told La Gazzetta dello Sport.



"He is a fantastic striker, without a doubt the best around at the moment."



Falcao has been linked with clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester City in recent weeks, but is under contract with Atletico until June 2016.

Cerezo hoping for long Falcao stay

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo says he intends to keep star striker Radamel Falcao at the capital club.



The Colombian was pivotal to his side's Europa League and Super Cup successes but suitors are circling the 26-year-old with Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid among those believed to be interested.



However, Cerezo is keen to hold on to the former Porto striker as they look to break the Liga monopoly of Barcelona and Real.



"I hope to be here another 25 years with Falcao. With his father, I do not know, but with him I hope so," he told AS.



"I am excited and very happy about this, because to be a leader of a football club for 25 years is very difficult. I have the desire and enthusiasm to continue longer.



"There have been ups and downs, but I'll stick with the first, with the times that we had fun. There have been many and in 20 years we have won eight titles.



"Football is a matter of stages and hopefully both teams (Barca and Real) will weaken, they have to. I, for my part, want to continue in football."



Cerezo's predecessor Jesus Gil died in May 2004, having led the club through one of its most successful eras, and the 64-year-old was quick to pay tribute to the former president.



"I can say many things about him, but above all, I will say that he was a great friend."