Jose Mourinho has admitted he wants to sign Radamel Falcao - to help him become a world class striker again.

The 29-year-old is closing in on a season-long switch to Chelsea as the Blues look to bring in a replacement for Didier Drogba.

Chelsea boss Mourinho told South American TV: "If I can help Falcao reach his level again, I will do it.

"It hurts me that people in England think that the real Falcao is the one we saw at Manchester United."

National hero: Falcao scored for Colombia in a 1-0 friendly win against Costa Rica on Sunday (
Image:
REUTERS/Enrique Marcarian)

Falcao, 29, managed just four goals in 26 appearances for Manchester United while on loan at Old Trafford last season.

His club Monaco are ready to loan him out again and Chelsea are keen to sign him - as long as Falcao will take a huge cut in his £265,000-a-week wages.

Mirror Sport reported in March that Falcao fancied a move to Chelsea and he also shares an agent with Mourinho as they are both represented by Jorge Mendes.

Going nowhere: Cuadrado is staying at Stamford Bridge, claims Mourinho (
Image:
Mike Hewitt)

Falcao's arrival would give Chelsea back up and the chance for the Colombian forward to regain his best form and fitness after injury blighted his past 18 months.

Chelsea are shying away from any sort of permanent deal but a loan fits the bill perfectly.

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