Transfer Update: Radamel Falcao speculation continues as Chelsea FC favourites to sign striker

Chelsea are the bookmakers' favourites to sign Radamel Falcao from Monaco during the January transfer window - and the striker has been left out of the squad for tonight's Ligue 1 game against Ajaccio.

Falcao was a target for a number of top clubs from across Europe, and was widely believed to be Chelsea's top transfer target, before he left Atletico Madrid and signed for Monaco during the summer in a deal worth around €60million.

Recent reports have suggested Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is weighing up a bid for the Colombia international either in January or next summer as he looks to land a top striker after missing out on Manchester United's Wayne Rooney during the last transfer window.
And bookmakers Sky Bet believe a move to Stamford Bridge could be a possibility, with the Blues 6/1 favourites to sign Falcao during the winter transfer window, ahead of the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Real Madrid who are all 16/1.
Reports in Spain on Saturday had suggested Real could also make a January move for the 27-year-old as they look to bring in a top striker, with Liverpool's Luis Suarez also on Carlo Ancelotti's radar.

Monaco are adamant Radamel Falcao needs more time to recover from a thigh injury, and although the striker was seen at training on Friday, the club issued a statement ahead of Sunday night's game which read: "Radamel Falcao is continuing his rehabilitation from pain in his thigh muscle.
"Though the situation has improved there remains moderate pain.
"The club wishes to exercise precaution, and will not allow a return to competition until clinical tests, additional tests and field tests come back normal."

Monaco sporting director Vadim Vasilyev had last week insisted the player is not for sale.
"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."
Falcao had missed the recent win over Reims, adding to the speculation about his future.

But Vasilyev 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."