By PAUL COLLINS
Chelsea look set to win the race to sign Atletico Madrid striker Rademel Falcao after rivals Manchester City turned down the chance to bid for the Colombian hitman.
Cash-strapped Atletico were hoping that a bidding war between City and Chelsea would force up the price of a player who has a £28million release clause in his contract.
Atletico Madrid General Manager Migel Angel Gil Marin and Falcao’s agent Jorge Mendes met with City’s new sporting director Txiki Begiristan after the Premier League champions’ 2-1 win over Spurs last Sunday.
But according to The Sunday Mirror, both men arrived at the Etihad without receiving an invitation from City and were told that Roberto Mancini’s interest in Falcao would not be firmed up with an offer.
City’s stance may change if they can offload Mario Balotelli in the upcoming transfer window, with PSG and both Milan clubs understood to be keen on the Italian international.
Falcao, 26, scored 36 goals last season after being recruited to replace Sergio Aguero in a £35m deal.
Mancini feels his team lacks firepower despite the presence of Aguero, Balotelli, Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko in his squad.
But Chelsea have an even greater need for a striker, with Fernando Torres still struggling.
