• Ligue 1

Monaco rule out Falcao sale in January

Radamel Falcao © Getty Images

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Monaco's sporting director has declared Radamel Falcao "won't leave in January" despite persistent speculation to the contrary.

Falcao, 27, missed his club's Ligue 1 win over Reims on Saturday, fuelling rumours that Monaco may cash in on the Colombia international in the upcoming transfer window.

Media in both England and Spain have strongly linked him to moves to Chelsea and Real Madrid, but the former Porto and Atletico Madrid forward, who signed a five-year deal at the Stade Louis II in the summer, is going nowhere, according to Vadim Vasilyev.

"He's very happy here," Vasilyev told RMC. "He feels really good in Monaco. Actually, we dined with him, his wife and the president a few days ago and he loves the club, the city. So there's no problem and he won't leave in January. That's certain."

On the injury, he added: "He's got pain in his thigh, that's the truth. Nothing serious, but I think it was enough for him not to play on Saturday evening. It was better to be cautious, and that's what the coach did. Radamel is very important in our squad. We need him and we want him in good shape. There's no problem."

Roma icon Francesco Totti was at the Stade Louis II to see Monaco beat Rennes 2-0 to remain third in the Ligue 1 table, five points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

Vasilyev added the 37-year-old former Italy international will not be swelling Monaco's ranks, however.

"No, not at all, even if I was very happy to see him. But he isn't here for any sort of talks. That's not the case."

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