The cost of buying a world class striker just went up

Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri has warned potential suitors that Radamel Falcao will cost £168million in the January transfer window.

Yes, that’s pounds not dollars and would double the fee Real Madrid reportedly paid for Gareth Bale during the summer.

Falcao, who only moved to Monaco over the summer, remains a key target for Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho while Real Madrid confirmed they are also after the striker this week.

“He won’t come in January but in June, who knows?’ Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said last week. “Nothing is impossible and there is a lot of time between now and then.

“Falcao is a great player and I am aware that he wants to play for [Real] Madrid. I am aware of that, but it’s normal.”

But despite interest from a number of clubs, Monaco insist Falcao will not come cheap. And when you’re owned by the 13th richest man in Russia, there is clearly no need to sell.

“If Gareth Bale is €100million then how much is Falcao? He is €200million [£168million],” said Ranieri dismissively

Even for the 9th richest man in Russia, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, that would hurt. He may even have to sell one of his lesser yachts to fund that kind of deal.