Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Radamel Falcao, Angel Di Maria Rumours

Former Manchester United midfielder Ray Wilkins believes the Red Devils are ready to ditch Radamel Falcao at the end of the season and "will look elsewhere" to secure a prolific goalscorer.

Wilkins spoke on talkSPORT's Alan Brazil Breakfast Show, in which he analysed the Colombian's poor form since joining United on loan from Monaco. Nick Rostron-Pike of the aforementioned station provided his comments:

"

Falcao has been struggling for goals. He hasn’t shown any type of form that we expected when he arrived at Manchester United. His form has been very poor in fact, we haven’t seen anything like the player who destroyed Chelsea with Atletico Madrid a few years ago.

They have already paid a huge loan fee and his wages are extremely expensive. To take him on would require a big fee, I would think they will look elsewhere.

"

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

This interview follows conflicting reports elsewhere in the press. French publication L'Equipe suggests United have already informed Monaco they won't take up the option of permanently signing Falcao, per Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC:

However, Jamie Jackson of The Guardian believes United boss Louis van Gaal is yet to make up his mind: "Radamel Falcao will have to wait until May to discover if Manchester United are to make his move from Monaco permanent, with manager Louis van Gaal resolved not to make any decision until then."

Van Gaal opted to leave Falcao on the bench during United's 1-0 win over Newcastle on Wednesday, a decision that appeared questionable until Ashley Young popped up with a last-minute winner. The Dutch manager highlighted Falcao's poor form by failing to call upon him, however. Falcao is at the club to score goals, but in a moment of need, he was overlooked.

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Four Premier League goals in 17 appearances, per WhoScored.com, has led to Falcao being dropped.

Jack Wilson of the Daily Star reports "senior sources inside Old Trafford are said to be impressed by Falcao's work ethic, which they compared to that of goalscoring great Cristiano Ronaldo." However, Wilson also states it remains "highly unlikely" the club will opt to pay £43 million for his permanent rights.

B/R UK's Sam Tighe doesn't believe an elite side can benefit from Falcao's transfer:

Like Falcao, Angel Di Maria has struggled to make a positive impression during his first season in England. He posted another poor performance during the win over Newcastle and was substituted with half an hour to go before United nicked the win.

David Wright of the Express cites sources in Spain when suggesting the club are considering using Di Maria as a "bargaining chip" to land Paris Saint-Germain's Ezequiel Lavezzi. This rumour makes little sense—United are unlikely to turn their back on Di Maria so soon after paying a British record fee for his services—particularly as Lavezzi has hardly set the world on fire since moving to the Parc des Princes.

The Telegraph's assessment of Di Maria's display against Newcastle asked one telling question: "Surely the kindest thing to do would be to withdraw him from the firing line?" The answer may be yes, but Lavezzi isn't a replacement who will fill many with inspiration after scoring four in 31 appearances this season, per WhoScored, and falling out with PSG boss Laurent Blanc.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Both Falcao and Di Maria have 10 Premier League matches left to rescue their seasons. The former is playing for his future, there's no doubt about it, and could make himself a hero if he helps United to a Champions League spot.

Supporters will like to think Di Maria's troubles will subside, but his quick impact and then run of poor form is reminiscent of Mesut Ozil's topsy-turvy time at Arsenal. Di Maria should be a headline-maker with his goals and assists, but right now continues to grab column space after stringing together numerous disappointing displays.