Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Radamel Falcao and Zlatan Ibrahimovic Rumours

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has made no secret over his desire to fulfil Radamel Falcao's potential in England, but reports on Friday suggest the Colombia striker could "snub" a move to Stamford Bridge in favour of joining Liverpool.

That's according to Richard Parry of the London Evening Standard, who cites reports in France for the "bombshell." The Daily Star (h/t Sky Sports) also notes a potentially significant development in the future of the Monaco striker.

Falcao scored just four goals on loan at Manchester United last season. Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal decided against signing him on a permanent transfer, a damning indictment of the player's debut campaign in England.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

However, Mourinho recently admitted his desire to coax the best out of Falcao for English audiences, as he told DirecTV Sports (h/t BBC Sport): "If I can help Falcao reach his level again, I will do it."

Chelsea and Liverpool could offer the former Atletico Madrid man two very different options. Falcao would likely be third-choice striker under Mourinho, although a run of goalscoring form could see him leapfrog second-choice Loic Remy in the pecking order. The Blues won the title playing Diego Costa in a lone role, meaning Falcao would only receive bit-part opportunities.

He could be the spearhead of Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool side, offering hold-up play and quality inside the box. Liverpool could feed Falcao, wait for him to spread possession and then deliver crosses to him. His strength appeared lacking at United, though, and he needs to increase his sharpness if he's to excel after the knee injury he suffered in January 2014 ruled him out of the World Cup.

B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently looked at how Mourinho could change the squad to integrate the player:

George Bellshaw of Metro cites "sources in Italy" when suggesting Chelsea are on "red alert" in case Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic becomes available. He notes Liverpool and Arsenal are also "desperate" to sign the charismatic Swede in what would be one of the summer's biggest deals.

There's no way Zlatan would accept being on the bench at Chelsea, so this deal appears highly unlikely. Although Falcao offers similar quality when fit and firing, the Colombian's lack of recent form ensures he could remain a substitute without questions being asked.

Jacques Brinon/Associated Press

Ibrahimovic is a consistent goalscorer—he always has been—and would likely command a leading role with whichever club he joins. French newspaper L'Equipe indicates PSG are already moving to sign Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo as his replacement, tweeted by MailOnline Sport:

Tancredi Palmeri of beIN Sports believes the 33-year-old is on his way back to AC Milan:

Either way, it seems Mourinho is looking for an experienced striker to bolster his ranks. The departure of Didier Drogba leaves a gap in Chelsea's squad, one that needs to be filled by an individual who doesn't mind playing inconsistent minutes but can contribute when called upon.

Falcao may be that man.

It would be most Mourinho-like to get the best out of him where United failed. However, the manager's personal quest to return the striker to greatness shouldn't overshadow the fact Falcao was extremely poor during his initial spell in England. Giving him a second chance is a major risk.