Chelsea Transfer News: Falcao, Digne and Romeu Invovled in Latest Speculation

Chelsea face a battle on their hands if they are to sign prolific Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao. The Blues have been linked with a move for the Colombian through much of the summer and that speculation only increased following his stunning first-half hat-trick against Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup.

Since then Falcao's father has hinted that a move to England was likely for the 26-year-old.

However, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has said that he intends on keeping Falcao at the club for many years to come.

"I want to keep Falcao in the squad," Cerezo told AS.

"For us, the Colombian is a reference point on the pitch and today he is key for Atletico."

"I hope to be here another 25 years with Falcao. With his father, I do not know, but with him I hope so," he added.

It seems unlikely, however, that Cerezo will be able to hold onto the club's prized asset for too much longer. A big-money offer looks certain to be forthcoming and would surely be too good to turn down, especially with Atletico being one of the clubs UEFA have withheld prize money from as a result of outstanding debts.

In recent days, Chelsea have also been linked with a move for young French defender Lucas Digne.

The Lille left-back has been the subject of much speculation in France suggesting he is on the radar of several Premier League clubs. However, the France Under-20 international has said that he is happy to remain with his current club.

"It's nice [the reported interest], but I am focused. Lille is where my heart is," he said, according to ESPN.

"I have a contract until 2016 and I did not want to leave the club. Everything is good here and there is a real danger in trying to leave too early.

"Personally, I hear about stories every day here. But for each match, I have to prove my level. Many players played when they were young and then disappeared. I want to have a long career."

With Ashley Cole yet to sign a new contract, Digne could potentially be seen as the man to compete with Ryan Bertrand for the left-back slot at Stamford Bridge in future seasons.

Chelsea may struggle to hang on to one of their own young players, with reports suggesting that Valencia are chasing midfielder Oriol Romeu. The Independent relays claims from Spain that the La Liga side have sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old in action in preparation for making a €5 million (£4m) offer for the player.

Although the Spaniard has featured sparingly since Roberto Di Matteo took the reins at Stamford Bridge, he could well come into the reckoning following the departures of Raul Meireles and Michael Essien.

Romeu was signed from Barcelona last summer, although a buy-back clause was inserted in the deal that would allow the Catalan giants to bring the player back to the Camp Nou for £12 million. While Chelsea claim that the clause is optional on their part, sections of the Spanish press continue to claim otherwise.