- Premier League
Atletico yet to receive an offer for Falcao
Atletico Madrid chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin has denied that Monaco or Chelsea have made official bids for Radamel Falcao.
Falcao is expected to leave Atletico this summer, with many of Europe's leading clubs reportedly considering paying his €60 million release clause.
Ambitious newly promoted Ligue 1 side Monaco have emerged as surprise suitors in recent weeks, while Europa League winners Chelsea have long been thought fans of the Colombian striker.
The Colchoneros executive told Goal Singapore that he had not heard from either club yet, while repeating a recent claim that he would not stand in the player's way should he decide to leave.
"Atletico have officially not received any offers for Falcao, be it from Monaco or Chelsea," Gil Marin said. "There are many clubs that are interested in him and the club will allow the player to talk to anyone and we will respect any decision that he takes. In the end, he is free to make his choice."
Atletico are on a mini-trip to Singapore, where they beat a local XI 2-0 in an exhibition game on Wednesday. Also in town were Falcao's agent Jorge Mendes, former Chelsea and Manchester United executive and current third-party investor Peter Kenyon and Indonesian billionaire Peter Lim, who is reportedly considering investing in the Estadio Vicente Calderon club.
Atletico coach Diego Simeone, who coached Falcao as a teenager at Argentine club River Plate, told AS after Wednesday's game that he still hoped they would be working together next season.
"In official terms, I do not know anything," Simeone said. "I wish him the best. I have known him since he was a kid and if he feels he needs to make a step to improve, then I would be happy for him. If he stays with us, I would be even happier."
Besides Falcao, other players including Arda Turan and Diego Costa have been linked with big-money moves away from the Calderon in the summer, as heavily indebted Atletico look to wheel and deal ahead of next season's Champions League campaign.
Bustling Brazilian centre-forward Costa, reportedly of interest to Premier League side Arsenal, told Marca that he was sure offers would arrive but he hoped the present Atletico side would stick together.
"When a team has a great season and wins trophies, all its players are valued," he said. "We have a great squad and we know that offers will come in, but to keep this group is very important to keep improving. We know each other well and know what things the boss wants. Offers will arrive and some people may leave, but we should stick together to achieve our objectives."