Chelsea closes on Radamel Falcao deal by moving midfielder Mario Pasalic to Monaco

Chelsea midfielder Mario Pasalic has joined Monaco on loan in a move that is expected to prompt Radamel Falcao's arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Monaco want two of Chelsea's prized youngsters on season-long loans as part of the deal that will see Falcao return to the Premier League, according to the Independent. Charly Musonda and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also reportedly being considered.

As reported by the Guardian, Falcao's father Radamel Garcia also confirmed a deal was in place in a recent interview with Caracol TV, suggesting the striker will join up with Chelsea at their pre-season training base in Canada.

Pasalic, 20, completed his move to the Premier League side from Hajduk Split in July 2014 but less than two weeks later, he left Stamford Bridge to complete his season-long move to Elche.

The Croatia international travelled to Monaco on 2 July to sign a deal with the Ligue 1 club, with his agent Vincenzo Cavaliere posting the contract signing on his Instagram account.

"Mario Pasalic starts a new adventure in AS Monaco! Big important step in his career. Good luck my boy," he wrote.

Falcao meanwhile has been eager to return to England despite his disappointing spell at Manchester United last season.

The Colombia international struck just four goals last term, form that saw United reject the opportunity to sign the player on a permanent basis this summer.

Despite his form failing to improve during Colombia's Copa America campaign, Mourinho is keen to bring the striker to Stamford Bridge and try to help him rediscover the form that saw him recognised as one of the world's most revered strikers.

"If I can help Falcao reach his level again, I will do it," the Chelsea boss said in June. "It hurts me that people in England think that the real Falcao is the one we saw at Manchester United."