Radamel Falcao has had a far from impressive year as a season-long loan from Monaco, yet the Daily Mail reports that Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward could still wind up signing the striker permanently after holding talks with Monaco over the weekend. Woodward reportedly told Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev that would they decide on the striker's future, who has only scored four goals for United, at the end of the season.

Said Vasilyev, "I saw the Manchester United people last Sunday and they have not yet decided if they would exercise the option. It's not his best season, but they kept the opportunity to make a decision at the end of the season."

The terms of the original loan would require United to pay 43.5 million pounds for Falcao.

"We are not in any other negotiations, even if big clubs are interested. The decision is with Manchester, then we will discuss with the player what he wants. I would like to have more visibility," Vasilyev added.

Of course, rumors about Manchester United possible transfers would have to include Real Madrid's Gareth Bale. It's been the worst kept secret that United are looking to have a high-profile transfer, and they have long had their sights on Bale.

What's going against them is that they don't have assets to trade for Bale (Real has secretly expressed its desire to land United keeper David de Gea), but that Bale has reportedly been adamant in staying in a Los Blancos uniform.

Bale's second season, although respectable with 17 goals for Madrid, has been marked by continued criticism from the Spanish giant's fans, with video even surfacing of fans vandalizing his car.

But with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, and most of the key players of Real Madrid pleased with the expensive forward's play, United may have to look elsewhere for the high-profile transfer.