Radamel Falcao: Chelsea on verge of loan deal for Monaco striker

Falcao is currently playing at the Copa America with his native Colombia, who lost their opening game to Venezuela

Chelsea are on the verge of agreeing a season-long loan deal for Monaco striker Radamel Falcao.

The 29-year-old, currently with Colombia at the Copa America in Chile, scored four goals in 29 appearances for Manchester United last season.

United rejected the chance to sign him for a reported £43.2m but now the Premier League champions have moved in.

Details of an agreement that would secure Falcao a second season in the top flight are still being finalised.

On Thursday, Mourinho responded to reports linking Chelsea with a move for Falcao by saying: "It hurts me that people in England think that the real Falcao is the one we saw at Manchester United."

Speaking to DirecTV Sports, the Portuguese added: "If I can help Falcao reach his level again, I will do it."

Falcao was signed by French club Monaco for £50m in 2013, having scored 70 goals in two prolific seasons with Atletico Madrid.

Before arriving in the Spanish capital in 2011, he scored 72 goals in two seasons for Portuguese side FC Porto after joining them from Argentine club River Plate in 2009.

Falcao played with Chelsea striker Diego Costa at Atletico and lined up alongside the Spain international as Mourinho's Real Madrid were beaten 2-1 in the 2013 Copa del Rey final.

The Blues recently released 37-year-old striker Didier Drogba, who left the club for a second time at the end of the season.

Falcao's Colombia face an uphill task to qualify from Group C at the Copa America after losing their opening game 1-0 to Venezuela.

They play Brazil next, in a game that kicks off at 01:00 BST on Thursday.