Falcao Colombia
Radamel Falcao Reuters

Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have suffered a setback in the hunt for Monaco striker Radamel Falcao as, according to reports in Spain, he has rejected a move to the Premier League in the hope of joining Real Madrid.

The Colombian - who completed a €60m move from Atletico Madrid to the principality last summer - has missed this summer's World Cup through injury, but he is now fully recovered. He appeared in just 17 games and scored nine goals last season.

According to Spanish newspaper Daily AS, Falcao has rejected offers from the Premier League as he is hopeful Real Madrid will make an offer for him. The 28-year-old wants to find a more attractive destination and has told his agent, Jorge Mendes, that he is keen to join the Champions League winners.

Last September, Real president Florentino Perez claimed that Falcao is "a great player and I am aware he wants to play for Madrid." The Colombian responded by saying: "I can only thank Florentino Perez for what he's said, but I must respect my current club Monaco, where I am feeling very well.

"This is not the time to talk about Real Madrid's potential interest in me out of respect for my current club."

However, the latest reports claim the situation has now changed and Falcao's dream is to join Los Blancos as soon as possible.

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed it is likely Arsenal target Alvaro Morata will leave the club this summer, with his departure also likely to facilitate the signing of a world-class forward – and Falcao is seen as a good fit should Real miss out on Liverpool's Luis Suarez, their top summer transfer target.

Los Blancos have also earmarked Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani and Bayern Munich's Mario Mandzukic as back-up options should the chase for Suarez result in failure.