Radamel Falcao 'Struggling' to Earn Manchester United Transfer, Latest Rumours

Radamel Falcao's permanent move to Manchester United is said to be "highly unlikely" in the wake of the player's fitness issues and lack of top form.

The Sunday People's Steve Bates appeared on Sky Sports' Sunday Supplement and spoke about Falcao's potential move from Monaco, saying United will now wish to renegotiate any deal in place after El Tigre's first year in the Premier League:

"

Falcao is struggling for a long term deal at Manchester United, certainly under the conditions that they would have to pay Monaco the money they want for him in the loan deal agreement.

I think £40-45 million is out of the question. So that would have to be renegotiated. I think he enjoys playing at Manchester United and he enjoys the stage.

But that kind of fee for a player that isn’t convincing people that he’s back to the player he was is way too much for United. If Monaco are going to stick to those conditions, I can’t see him being a United player next season.

"

Falcao has played a much less prominent role for United this season than many fans thought he would. His fitness problems have held him back from rediscovering his touch, but there have been signs of improvement in recent weeks.

The player has only managed nine starts in the Premier League this term, converting the ball into the back of the net on four occasions, per WhoScored.com.

That statistic certainly does not justify Falcao's potential transfer fee, and in the summer, United's focus is likely to shift to other big targets.

But Squawka and the BBC's Match of the Day highlighted the positive impact Falcao has been having on United and the points he has helped put on the board in the race for the Champions League:

And Louis van Gaal is clearly happy with the player's recent progress. Speaking with MUTV, via the club's official website, about Falcao's goal against Leicester City on Saturday, he said:

"

I'm more happy that Falcao scored because I think Robin [van Persie] has scored enough goals already. Falcao needs that goal more than Robin.

But, after all, it’s fantastic they scored—beautiful goals I think with very quick transition for the goal by Falcao, with Robin also having a big part in it, so I’m very happy.

"

Jon Super/Associated Press

Red News editor Barney Chilton was also positive about Falcao's contribution against the Foxes and spoke of how the Colombian superstar deserved his goal:

Jon Super/Associated Press

Much will depend on LvG's opinion of his four first-choice strikers once the summer months arrive. 

Van Persie's contract is running down, and the striker has admitted that his future at Old Trafford is uncertain, per Joe Bernstein of the Mail Online.

RvP has also found it difficult to find top form since the World Cup, and with the Netherlands international now the wrong side of 30, United may move to replace him with a younger model.

Wayne Rooney does not appear to be in Van Gaal's plans as a striker at present and has found himself in a deeper midfield position for much of the current campaign.

The United and England skipper has done well in his new position for the most part , but he certainly does not add the value of a world-class central midfielder such as Arturo Vidal or Kevin Strootman.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

James Wilson makes up the fourth striking spot with United, and he has done well during the opening gambit of his burgeoning career.

The boy has pace to burn and is a prolific finisher, so his future impact will also put pressure on Falcao's career at Old Trafford.

The next few games are vital for El Tigre, and if he can sustain a strong goal ratio until the end of the season, he will give Van Gaal something to think about.

At the moment, it is still not quite good enough—but Falcao is slowly getting to where he needs to be.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Much of the problem lies with United's current level of creativity—or lack thereof. A striker such as Falcao needs to be fed, and LvG's team are not firing on all cylinders in terms of getting the ball to the player in the penalty area.

This element marginally improved on Saturday, and Falcao repaid the Old Trafford faithful with a goal.

The performances of Angel Di Maria could also decide Falcao's fate; if the Argentinian wizard can find his best form, Falcao is sure to get the service he needs to score.

There is no doubting Falcao is still one of the best finishers in world football, but United have to take a holistic approach to their attack to make him one of the EPL's top scorers—and force a permanent deal for the No. 9.