Manchester United hold talks with Monaco over deal to sign Radamel Falcao permanently

Radamel Falcao could still sign permanently for Manchester United after it emerged that chief executive Ed Woodward held talks with Monaco on Sunday over the striker’s future.

Falcao, who has scored just four times for United since his season-long loan move from Monaco, drew another blank at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Saturday evening.

But Woodward told Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev last Sunday that they would make a decision on the right to sign him permanently at the end of the season.

Vasilyev said: ‘I saw the Manchester United people last Sunday and they have not yet decided if they would exercise the option..

‘It’s not his best season, but they kept the opportunity to make a decision at the end of the season.’

Although it seems highly unlikely that United will keep the Colombian striker, Falcao has been given hope of a second chance under Dutch coach Louis van Gaal.

Under the terms of the original loan United would have to pay £43.5m for the forward, but it has since emerged that Monaco are willing to negotiate on the transfer fee after a disappointing season at United.

Vasilyev added: ‘We are not in any other negotiations, even if big clubs are interested. The decision is with Manchester, then we will discuss with the player what he wants. I would like to have more visibility.’

Falcao missed last summer’s World Cup in Brazil following a knee injury and it is thought he rushed his recovery in an attempt to play in the tournament for Colombia.

Credit: Neil Ashton/SportsMail