Radamel Falcao
Radamel Falcao looks Monaco-bound. Reuters

Spanish outlet Punto Pelota has claimed that a secret meeting was held on Sunday to discuss Radamel Falcao’s proposed move to Chelsea. It is reported that Atletico Madrid owner Miguel Angel Gil Marin, Falcao’s agent Jorge Mendes and Peter Kenyon, the former Chelsea chief executive who is thought to maintain close ties to Blues owner Roman Abramovich, were all present.

The meeting is said to have ended with Atletico realizing that Chelsea will push to sign Falcao this summer with a contract offer of in excess of €8 million (£6.85 million) a year, beyond what the Spanish club could match.

Falcao has been linked to Chelsea since last summer and, with the continued struggles of Fernando Torres, it appears increasingly likely that the Blues will make a concerted effort to land the Colombian during the off-season.

Real Madrid and Manchester City are also believed to carry an interest in the 27-year-old, but Chelsea’s cause could be aided by Atletico’s interest in Thiabaut Courtois. The young Belgian goalkeeper is currently in his second season on loan at the Vicente Calderon.

There has also been speculation that Chelsea will look to La Liga for a new left back with the Daily Express reporting that the Blues are interested in Real Madrid’s Fabio Coentrao.

According to the story, the Portugal international has been in Chelsea’s thoughts for some time as a potential successor to Ashley Cole. There could be much change at the Bernabeu in the summer with the predicted departure of manager Jose Mourinho, although Coentrao has recently been enjoying a lengthy run in the team ahead of Marcelo.

Given that Cole has recently signed a one year contract extension, a move for Coentrao this summer seems unlikely. Liverpool and Manchester City are also said to be interested in the 25-year-old.

A more feasible target would appear to be West Brom youngster Isaiah Brown. The Daily Telegraph reports that the Blues are already preparing a £1 million offer to sign the 16-year-old midfielder this summer.

Chelsea are said to have scouted Brown extensively when in action for West Brom’s Under-21 side—he is yet to make an appearance for their first team. Brown has not yet signed a professional contract with the Premier League club, meaning that any deal would go before a tribunal. Arsenal are also believed to have a strong interest in the player, but West Brom manager Steve Clarke has said that he wants to keep hold of Brown.

“Izzy is not for sale, let’s make that very clear,” Clarke said. “He’s done fantastic and has come through the youth team, quickly into the under-21s, and has put on some really good performances recently.”

There is further news involving West Brom with Romelu Lukaku non-committal when asked if he would return to Chelsea next season after his loan spell at the Hawthorns. The Belgian striker has been a big success with West Brom, netting 13 goals in the Premier League, despite making just 14 starts.

Albion boss Clarke recently said he was resigned to Lukaku going back to Chelsea for next season, but the 19-year-old was less emphatic in his response.

"I am just waiting until the end of season, I am just performing for West Brom at the moment we will see what will happen and I don't want to talk about it either," he said, according to Sky Sports.

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