Real Madrid and Liverpool are reportedly interested in acquiring Radamel Falcao, but Monaco insisted that the star striker will stay with the club in the upcoming season.
Falcao, who recently returned from a long layoff due to an ACL injury he sustained in January, has been linked to Real Madrid since after last season, but Monaco remained mum about the possible sale.
Talks about Falcao's impending move to the Spanish club intensified after his agent, Jorge Mendes, was seen meeting with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez earlier this week.
The Guardian reported that Liverpool also made an inquiry on Falcao's availability, but their offer was allegedly turned down with sources indicating that they were informed that the striker is destined for a move to Real.
Perez is reportedly determined to acquire Falcao at all cost, but Monaco sporting director Vadim Vasilyev insisted that the Colombian striker was not mentioned during their talks about James Rodriguez's move to Bernabeu.
"I have met Real officials many times, and the Falcao dossier was never discussed. There are no talks, and we really are counting on him. I think he's happy to come back from injury and re-find his teammates," Vasilyev said via ESPN FC.
Vasilyev also added that he was impressed with Falcao's performance in his first game coming off the major knee injury. The 28-year-old striker made a triumphant return during the Emirates Cup where he scored the lone goal in their victory against host Arsenal.
"He confirmed that he's a great player, a great goal scorer. He missed the World Cup, it was difficult for him psychologically. But he's a strong personality, and I hope it'll be his season at Monaco," Vasilyev said of Falcao.
One reason why the club intends to keep Falcao is the fact that they are expecting a productive campaign from the striker under new coach Leonardo Jardim.
