Manchester United have moved into pole position to land Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao in the summer.
Falcao is one of the most coveted forwards in Europe at the moment after another stellar season in front of goal. Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester City were thought to be the clubs most interested in signing the prolific Colombian but now United have joined the race.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, United have come to terms on a €55 million (£47 million, $72 million) fee, with Atletico rejecting a move which would have involved Javier Hernandez going the other way.
It is hard to believe that United will spend so much money on a striker, when they are already flush with four quality forwards.
If indeed, it turns out to be true, though, that would surely mean curtains for one of Wayne Rooney or Javier Hernandez, if not both.
Rooney, unless he decides to move even deeper into the United midfield, will see his future thrown into disarray if Falcao does move to Old Trafford, while Hernandez, already frustrated with his lack of first team opportunities, will find it even harder to get into the starting XI.
The England international has been constantly linked with a move away in the summer, with Paris Saint Germain known to be extremely keen.
Hernandez was strongly linked with a move to Atletico, but Real Madrid have also been reportedly keeping tabs on the Mexican international.
The Falcao signing, with the amount of money being quoted, could also mean that a potential move for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid will have to be put on hold, because United will surely struggle to create the funds for both players.
There is little doubt that the United faithful would much rather have their beloved Ronaldo back at Old Trafford. However, with Robin Van Persie fading badly in the second half of the season, maybe Sir Alex Ferguson has other ideas.
