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.

Man City rule out Falcao & Neymar

Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano has denied the club are chasing the signatures of Radamel Falcao and Neymar.



Reports have suggested City are among the chasing pack lining up moves for Atletico Madrid hit-man Falcao and Brazil sensation Neymar.



Manchester City may have ruled out a bid for Falcao but which club will secure his signature? Latest odds



Falcao has been linked with a host of clubs, including Chelsea, Monaco and Real Madrid following his goalscoring exploits for Atletico over the last couple of seasons.



Santos attacker Neymar is also being chased by Europe's top clubs with the skilful playmaker expected to leave South America for Europe after the 2014 World Cup.



However, Soriano insists the pair are not on City's transfer radar as they begin plans for their summer transfer plans.



"Neymar and Falcao? [These reports are] false, they have never been on our agenda," Soriano is quoted as saying on Tuttomercatoweb.com.



Soriano also moved to play down talk that Sergio Aguero could leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.



Reports have suggested Aguero could be keen on a return with Spain with Real Madrid long-term admirers of the Argentine international.



Soriano insists City have no plans to sell Aguero and that the 24-year-old is happy to stay at the club.



"The first thing I want to emphasise is that we have never thought of selling Aguero. El Kun will be happy to stay with us this year," Soriano added.

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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Falcao plays down United talk

Atletico Madrid ace Radamel Falcao has moved to play down talk linking him with a possible move to Manchester United.



Reports emanating from Spain last week claimed United were in pole position to land the in-demand striker this summer as they look to win the race for the Colombia international.



Falcao is one of the most sought-after players in Europe following his goalscoring exploits for Atletico with the likes of United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid all credited with an interest in his services.



Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson have both rejected speculation of a deal being agreed with United and now Falcao has distanced himself from the transfer talk, saying he is focused on Atletico.

"In recent weeks I have tried to isolate myself and not think about the rumours about my future," Falcao told Colombian radio station RCN.





"I do not really know where that information has come from [joining Manchester United], that is part of the press.



"I'm focused only on Atletico Madrid. I do not let the market rumours affect my performance."



Turning his attentions to the national team, Falcao admits it is his dream to play at a World Cup with Colombia.



"That's the bottom line and what everyone wishes in the national team," Falcao said of qualifying for next summer's World Cup finals in Brazil. "The biggest dream I have is to play a World Cup and be a star.



Colombia are currently third in the South American qualifying group and Falcao believes they are well-placed to reach Brazil.



"I think we're on track, although it takes a lot in this group," continued Falcao.



"We have important games ahead against Peru and Argentina and it is necessary to get good results because that would allow us to get closer to our goal, which is qualification."

Jorge Mendes: "Falcao is going nowhere in January"

Former Atlético Madrid player, Paulo Futre revealed a conversation he had with his friend, Portuguese football agent Jorge Mendes. In that conversation, Mendes, the world's most influential agent of the moment, reassured Futre and Atlético fans that Falcao isn't going anywhere for now.



"Jorginho! How're you doing brother? Tell me just one thing. Is it true that Falcao could be leaving Atlético Madrid in the January transfer window?" Futre asked in a telephone conversation. The agent replied: "You're mad Paulo, they're just rumours. Radamel isn't leaving Atlético. It'd be impossible for him to leave in January. Look, I'm eating dinner with him here in my house. Say hi to him, he's one of your biggest admirers".



Futre explained the situation to MARCA: "That telephone call with my good friend Jorge Mendes, the Colombian striker’s agent, and 'el Tigre' took place last Friday. It reassured me, as some of the most talked about things in and around Atlético are Falcao's possible departure and whether or not the club is already looking for his replacement."



Regarding Atlético's 4-0 thrashing of Sevilla, Futre said: "It was a very important confidence boost ahead of our next match against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Now it’s time to end our bad run against our neighbour and arch-rival."

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.

Wednesday's round up of the top transfer stories

- Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has warned winger Theo Walcott, who has been linked with Liverpool and Manchester City, that the club will not break the bank in order to convince him to sign a new contract.



- Arsenal teenage starlet Chuba Akpom, 17, has agreed terms on his first professional contract with the Gunners after turning 17, Sky Sports understands.



- In other news, former Arsenal winger Luis Boa Morte, 35, has joined League Two club Chesterfield ahead of the Spireites clash with Dagenham & Redbridge at the Proact Stadium this Saturday, according to Sky Sports.



- Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Blackpool youngster Thomas Ince, according to Sky Sports.



- Chelsea are set to launch a January bid for Marseille striker Loic Remy, according to Le 10 Sport.



- Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, who has been linked with Barcelona and Manchester United, has admitted he is interested in leaving Germany at some point in his career.



- Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil, who has been linked with Manchester United and more recently Liverpool, has told Bildthat he has no plans to leave the Bernabeu.



- Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has placed a €60 million price-tag on in-form star striker Radamel Falcao, revealing that the club may sell the Colombian if they fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, ESPN Soccernet reports.



- Santos striker Neymar, who has been linked with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, has been urged by former Barca star Rivaldo to leave Brazil and move to Europe.



- Crystal Palace striker Wilfried Zaha, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool, has emerged as a target for Premier League rivals Arsenal, according to the Daily Mail.



- Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen admits he is flattered to be linked with a move to Liverpool, but has told tipsbladet.dk that he is not considering a January move.



- Torino defender Angelo Ogbonna has admitted to Sky Sports he is "flattered" by reported interest from Liverpool.



- Malaga starlet Isco, who has been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham, has played down talk of a January move to the Premier League, telling Marca that his "head is in Malaga."

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."

Falcao dreaming of Real Madrid move

Radamel Falcao's father has revealed the Atletico Madrid striker is dreaming of a move to arch-rivals Real Madrid.



Falcao is expected to leave Atletico at some stage in the next year, with the club currently in significant debt. Their chief executive, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, admitted this week that a sale in the near future is inevitable and stressed they "took a risk" in rejecting offers for the Colombia striker during the summer.



His father, Radamel Garcia, has recently said that a move to Chelsea or Manchester City is "very likely" in January, adding that his son had been a boyhood admirer of the current Champions League holders. However, after rumours emerged that Real Madrid were interested, it appears Stamford Bridge would no longer be his destination of choice.



Saying that Falcao "will change teams at the end of the year", his father told the programme El Gran debate de Todelar: "His dream is to play for Real Madrid.



"Since he was a boy he's always wanted to play there. Other teams in Europe, like Chelsea and Manchester City, were interested in him. If he can't play for Real Madrid, he'll play for a team in England."



He added: "Of course he wants to go to the 2014 World Cup but, most of all, he wants to go to Real Madrid."

Falcao: Torres is one of the best strikers in the world

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao has taken time to praise Chelsea attacker Fernando Torres ahead of Friday's European Super Cup in Monaco.



The Spain international has impressed in the opening stages of the 2012-13 campaign after a difficult first 18 months at Stamford Bridge, and the Colombian believes the former Atletico star is one of the very best in the game.



"Torres is a great striker, one of the best in the world. He has scored some fine goals in his most recent games," Falcao stated to EFE.



"I admire him for all that he has done for football. He is a player I have been keeping tabs on throughout my career."



The former Porto star then looked ahead to the clash with Chelsea, and stressed that Atletico do not fear their opponents.



"Chelsea are a great team and you have to respect them. However, we do not fear them. They have some excellent players who could make the difference, but we have to focus on our own performance.



"We have the quality to cause them all kinds of problems."

Falcao destroy Bilbao

Atletico Madrid produced a devastating display to destroy Athletic Bilbao as Real Valladolid made it two wins from two by beating Levante.



Radamel Falcao again underlined his status as one of football's most lethal strikers by scoring a hat-trick in Atletico's convincing 4-0 home win over Bilbao.



The Colombian, who has regularly been linked with a move to the Premier League, opened the scoring on 20 minutes with a clever chip before doubling the lead three minutes before half-time with an acrobatic finish.



He completed his hat-trick just before the hour mark by converting from the penalty spot after Carlos Gurpegi was penalised for handball.



Atletico came close to a fourth goal five minutes later when Mario Suarez's header from a corner was tipped on to the bar by Gorka Iraizoz before bouncing out off the post.



The fourth goal did arrive six minutes from time when substitute Tiago, who had replaced Falcao moments earlier, rifled home from the edge of the box.



Victor Perez, meanwhile, scored a penalty in each half as promoted Valladolid claimed a 2-0 home win over 10-man Levante.



The opening goal arrived on 38 minutes when Perez converted from the spot after Levante defender David Navarro was shown a second yellow card for handball.



Perez struck again three minutes after half-time as he kept his cool from 12 yards following Papakouli Diop's foul on Omar.