Manchester United pick up star Colombia striker Radamel Falcao on loan in deadline day swoop

MANCHESTER United has agreed a stunning deal to sign Colombia striker Radamel Falcao on a one-year loan, with the option to make the deal permanent.

Manchester United have signed Monaco striker Radamel Falcao on a season-long loan with an option to buy.

The deal for the Colombia forward dragged on throughout Deadline Day and was finally made public long after 1am on Tuesday with the Old Trafford club having been granted an extension to complete paperwork.

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Falcao was previously linked with moves to Arsenal and Manchester City, but it became apparent earlier on Monday that United were ready to dig deep to sign him to add to their attacking options.

His arrival at the club’s Aon Training Complex at Carrington was delayed and there was talk during the evening that he had failed a medical, although that proved to be completely groundless.

Falcao said: “I am delighted to be joining Manchester United on loan this season.

Contentó de ser el número 9 del @ManUtd // happy to be the number 9 of @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/3lXKFxvwJk

— Radamel Falcao (@FALCAO) September 2, 2014

“Manchester United is the biggest club in the world and is clearly determined to get back to the top. I am looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal and contributing to the team’s success at this very exciting period in the club’s history.”

United manager Louis van Gaal added: “I am delighted Radamel has joined us on loan this season. He is one of the most prolific goalscorers in the game. His appearance-to-goal ratio speaks for itself and, when a player of this calibre becomes available, it is an opportunity not to be missed.”

Falcao has been plying his trade in Europe since Porto signed him for just over £3m from Argentinian side River Plate back in 2009.

.@Falcao: "I'm looking forward to working with Louis van Gaal and contributing to the team's success." #FalcaoJoins pic.twitter.com/fQrt1Ev9N7

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 2, 2014

After a prolific spell in Portugal, he joined Atletico Madrid in 2011, where more success in front of goal followed, and then secured a move to Monaco last summer for a fee in excess of £50m, but injuries badly affected his first season in France as he scored nine goals in 17 appearances.

He missed out on the World Cup with Colombia because of a serious knee injury suffered in January but scored two goals in his first three games this season with the French outfit.

The 28-year-old is the latest big-money arrival at Old Trafford this summer in the wake of van Gaal’s appointment as manager.

Falcao arriving at Carrington for his Manchester United medical.

Deadline day also saw the arrival of Ajax player Daley Blind, who can operate in defence and in midfield and is well known to van Gaal from his time as Netherlands coach - he cost United around £14m.

Van Gaal finalised a British record £59.7m deal for Real Madrid midfielder Angel di Maria last week and the Argentina international made his debut in the 0-0 draw with Burnley on Saturday.

United’s summer business also included the signing of Southampton defender Luke Shaw, di Maria’s international colleague Marcos Rojo and Atletico Madrid midfielder Ander Herrera.

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12040/9452780/transfer-news-colombia-striker-radamel-falcao-joins-manchester-united-on-loan

Originally published as Manchester United pick up star Colombia striker Radamel Falcao on loan in deadline day swoop