Manchester United Transfer News: Top Rumours on New Year's Day 2015

The start of the new year means the January transfer window is nearly upon us, and according to the latest rumours, Manchester United are already moving to get some of their business done in a timely fashion.

Marca's Jose Feliz Diaz reports the Red Devils are ready to turn Radamel Falcao's loan deal into a permanent move, with Louis van Gaal agreeing to pay AS Monaco the remaining €40 million of the €50 million fee:

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The Manchester United hierarchy have decided to take up the option allowing them to sign Radamel Falcao on a permanent basis and will do so shortly. A clause to this effect was inserted into the deal that took the Colombian from Monaco to Old Trafford on 31st August, with a fee of €50 million set - of which the Premier League giants forked out €10m to snap up the striker on loan on transfer deadline day.

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Falcao's agent, Jorge Mendes, has already met with Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev to begin talks over the proposed deal, according to Feliz Diaz.

The Colombia international hasn't had the greatest start to life in the Premier League, with injury concerns limiting him to just six starts in the league so far, via WhoScored.com.

He's scored two goals and added three assists in that span. Perhaps more importantly, he has worked his way to full health in recent weeks. According to Feliz Diaz, United recently performed a series of tests that the Colombian passed with flying colours, resulting in the decision to now make the move permanent.

The news will come as a massive relief to the 28-year-old, who missed the 2014 World Cup and much of the past year with a series of injuries. His best wishes for New Year's Eve were telling:

Before suffering a gruesome injury just months after completing a move to Monaco, Falcao was one of the world's most feared strikers, known for his well-rounded game and deadly instincts. A force both in the air and with the ball at his feet, he scored at least 24 goals in each of his seasons with Atletico Madrid, according to WhoScored.

While there's no guarantee we'll see such a level of production again from El Tigre, sports writer Serge Adam is still excited the Red Devils are making the move permanent:

Having already paid €10 million for a one-year rental, it always appeared likely the club would eventually activate the clause to make the move to Old Trafford permanent. This rumour is quickly gathering steam, and while nothing is official just yet, it wouldn't be a surprise if we received confirmation from United by the end of the week.

One player who is unlikely to join the club in January is AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy, despite recent rumours he could be ready for a move, per the Daily Express' David Wright.

Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images

The 22-year-old Italy international told reporters after Milan's 4-2 friendly win over Real Madrid he wants to stay with the Rossoneri for the foreseeable future, per Goal's Joe Wright:

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I've already said: I'm staying at Milan and I want to do well. In terms of the game, we did well. It was a great day for me.

A game like this gives me a lot of confidence. Goals are important mentally for a striker, so I'm happy to have got two against Real Madrid.

It was also very satisfying for the team - we've underlined that we're doing well after the Roma and Napoli games.

Now we have to continue like this. We want to start the league well in 2015.

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The explosive forward burst on to the scene in the 2012-13 season with 16 goals in Serie A, via WhoScored, but injuries have slowed the Italian down tremendously since then.

His struggles coincided with those of his club, who have tumbled down the Serie A pecking order in the past few years, and a lack of confidence appeared to be the main thing holding him back when healthy.

El Shaarawy still has excellent potential, but he's no longer the can't-miss prospect people were excited about two years ago. Add the fact United don't have a major attacking need heading into January, as explained by Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and Andy Brassell, and a transfer becomes even less likely:

The tricky speedster needs to re-establish himself as one of the best young forwards in the sport, and right now, Milan no doubt present him with the best opportunity to do just that.

He seems determined to stay put in January, so the Red Devils can wait for him to prove he's healthy and back to his old self and consider a bid in the summer.

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