Radamel Falcao opts to join Chelsea over Real Madrid in £5m-a-year deal – report

Radamel Falcao Garcia , FC Porto

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Radamel Falcao has reached an agreement in principle with Chelsea over personal terms worth around £5 million-a-year, Correio da Manha reports.

Real Madrid were strongly interested in the player, but their strong desire to capture Neymar this summer and the player’s concerns over reduced playing time at the Bernabeu meant the Blues always led the way in the chase for his signature.

It now looks like the Porto striker will follow former manager Andre Villas-Boas to the London club after the 33-year-old tactician reportedly indicated he wanted the prolific Colombian to accompany him to the Premier League, and form part of his front-line for next season.

Falcao has a contract until the summer of 2013 with Porto, but has a minimum fee release clause of €30 million (£26.5m) inserted into his deal.

Chelsea appear to be ready to meet the terms and are willing to offer the 25-year-old an annual salary of €5.7m (£5m).

The striker’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has reportedly informed the Blues Falcao is interested in a move to England and they are expected to make their official move for the player in the coming days.

Mendes previously brokered the moves of Jose Mourinho and a clutch of other Portuguese stars to Chelsea in 2004.

Meanwhile, Porto are already lining up a replacement for Falcao, and have set their sights on Racing Club striker Teofilo Gutierrez.

The 26-year-old joined the Argentine side from Trabzonspor earlier this year and has since impressed with a number of fine performances, prompting the Portuguese side to prepare an offer to bring him back to European football.

Porto have also been cleared of accusations of an illegal approach for Maritimo’s Kleber in January, and the Brazilian striker is also heavily tipped to link up with the Portuguese champions this summer.