Current European Champions, Chelsea, have shortlisted David Villa as Falcao’s replacement, in case the deal for the Colombian fails to materialise.
The West London side are said to be lining up a bid for Barcelona striker, David Villa, who has recently returned from a lengthy injury lay off.
The English side have set Colombian striker Radamel Falcao as their primary transfer target but they expect to face stiff competition from fellow European giants, Real Madrid and Manchester City, who are also rumoured to be keen on acquiring the services
of the Atletico Madrid forward.
But Chelsea have their Plan-B sorted out, should they fail to sign the sensational Colombian international.
Barcelona and Spain striker, David Villa, has not received the warmest of welcomes since his return from a lengthy injury, suffered at the Club World Cup, and may well be forced towards the exit doors come January.
Chelsea are said to be monitoring Villa’s situation closely at Barcelona and are somewhat hopeful about succeeding in luring the 30-year-old to Stamford Bridge.
As it stands, currently at Barcelona, David Villa has been out of favour since returning from injury and manager Tito Vilanova hasn’t assured him a starting spot for the foreseeable future.
Villa, 30, is also reported to have his differences with Barcelona team-mate and Argentine international, Lionel Messi.
Reportedly, the duo is not on talking terms, and this factor may also come into play in a possible departure for the Spanish international, as Messi is considered to be indispensible to the club.
Chelsea are also keen on signing Villa for their own reasons, and as their homework suggests, Italian manager Roberto Di Matteo believes that there are two main reasons for considering Villa as Falcao’s alternative:
David Villa’s lethal partnership with Fernando Torres for Spain has seen him score a major part of his record Spanish tally. The manager believes that lining him up with Fernando Torres may have an instant impact on the Stamford Bridge side’s striking.
The other reason is believed to be Juan Mata’s presence in the heart of Chelsea’s midfield. Mata and Villa enjoyed a successful partnership in their time together at Valencia, and it may prove to be another success yielding combo.
These reasons sound good value to the Chelsea manager and in case he fails to land Falcao, David Villa is a readymade replacement, and it may also bring a full stop to the Spanish international’s growing differences with the Catalans.