Now Falcao 'Dreams' of Real Madrid, not Chelsea

It has all the makings of yet another classic and long-running transfer saga and this one could run all the way through to the January transfer window or even longer. Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao has become the centre of considerable transfer speculation after a stunning start to the season that has seen him outscore both Leo Messi of Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid. The powerful Colombian forward scored consecutive hat-tricks for his club, first in a league game against Athletic Bilbao (Atletico won 4-0) and then in the European Super Cup final against Chelsea (the Blues lost 1-4).

His goals led to suggestions the 26 year old would move, sooner rather than later, to one of Europe's elite clubs, particularly since a number of them, Chelsea included, had already expressed their interest in the player. It was then reported that Roberto Di Matteo's Chelsea had agreed a £48m move for the striker, to be concluded on 1 January. The news was backed up by statements made by the player's father, Radamel, who admitted interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and an unnamed Russian club. Radamel also admitted his son "loved Chelsea" and "always thought it would be an honour to play for a big Premier League team".

However, it now seems Radamel's statements may be nothing but a media tactic, designed to generate interest in his son's services (although, really, given his prolific scoring record - he scored 36 times for the club last season - it really isn't necessary). Radamel has now stated his son has always dreamt of playing for Atletico's fierce cross-town rivals, Real Madrid.

"His dream is to play for Real Madrid. Since he was a boy he's always wanted to play there. Other teams in Europe like Chelsea and Manchester City were interested in him. If he can't play for Real Madrid, he'll play for a team in England. Of course he wants to go to the 2014 World Cup, but most of all, he wants to go to Real Madrid," the striker's father told Colombian radio show Gran debate de Todela, the Daily Mail reports.

Falcao himself, meanwhile, is seemingly rather confused and maybe a touch irritated by all of his father's comments, for the striker has tweeted his commitment to his present club.

"Just so the whole world is clear: my dream is to win titles with Atletico Madrid and to qualify for the World Cup with Colombia," the player tweeted.