Manchester United Transfer News: Radamel Falcao Doubts Emerge, Ron Vlaar Eyed

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has major doubts over permanently signing Radamel Falcao, according to reports.

The Colombian striker has started just three matches since his summer loan switch from Monaco, missing the last two important encounters against Chelsea and Manchester City through injury. He is yet to fully recover from the serious knee problem that kept him out of the World Cup, raising fears he is too risky to snap up on a full-time deal.

Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail writes Van Gaal is "already concerned that loan signing Radamel Falcao may not be physically capable of sustained action in the Barclays Premier League." He continues by saying, "Van Gaal and his coaching staff know they will have to see a vast improvement on that return if Falcao is to justify his big wages between now and the summer."

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The 28-year-old striker has worked avidly during his trio of starts and two substitute appearances. His goal in the 2-1 victory over Everton proved to be a vital moment of instinctive finishing—exactly why he was brought in.

Falcao's two assists, per WhoScored.com, and bullish hold-up play has indicated he has the natural attributes to become a key player if he can maintain fitness.

Even so, the lack of news around Falcao's injury is worrying. Van Gaal recently said the striker received "a kick in training," reported by Simon Mullock of the Mirror. One week after the Chelsea match, he was still missing, indicating the problem is more serious than a simple knock.

Supporters will be encouraged by Van Gaal's suggestion that Falcao "doesn't have knee problems and trains every day," but a failure to appear during Saturday's match with Crystal Palace will further indicate his £300,000-per-week wages will be a major gamble beyond the end of the season.

Such a situation is frustrating for everybody involved, particularly when considering the quality of Falcao's game, as outlined below:

Injury has been a recurrent theme during United's disappointing start to the season. This is most apparent in a defensive situation that currently sees Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Rafael and Marcos Rojo unavailable, while Chris Smalling is set to sit out after picking up a regrettable red card against Chelsea.

Youngster Paddy McNair could start alongside midfielder Michael Carrick in defence against Palace, highlighting Van Gaal's need to buy. John Cross of the Mirror believes the Dutch manager "is ready to make a cut-price January move for (Ron) Vlaar to help patch up his back four," with Aston Villa expecting around £12 million for the powerful centre-back.

Kevin Palmer of the Sunday World reports ex-United defender Paul McGrath's thoughts on the player:

Realistically there's no way Paul Lambert's side will receive the aforementioned sum. Vlaar is out of contract in the summer and is likely to command a nominal fee at the age of 29. Villa will fear losing him on a free during the summer, so any January bidders could receive a smart deal for the experienced star.

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Van Gaal needs to make smart, perhaps cost-effective, signings in defence, particularly if Falcao is to be offered a permanent deal. Dreams of Mats Hummels will remain, but realistically, United's immediate answers are likely to lie closer to home.