Falcao leads Europe transfer frenzy

Paris, Sept. 1: Manchester United swooped from nowhere on Monday to make striker Radamel Falcao the surprise big signing on the last day of Europe’s record- breaking summer transfer window.

British media said the Colombian would have to pass a medical to seal the move from Monaco in a one year loan that pushes United’s spending since the opening of the transfer market on June 9 above £ 150 million ($ 250 million).

Teams from the top leagues in England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France have laid out more than $ 2.1 billion during the transfer window and the frenzied last day is likely to see the figure rise substantially.

Manchester United have been the single biggest spenders, ahead of Spain’s Real Madrid.

Manchester United are buying Daley Blind from Ajax Amsterdam and have also brought in Argentine international Angel di Maria from Real Madrid for £ 59 million, Spanish international Ander Herrera, England defender Luke Shaw and another Argentine Marcos Rojo.

The arrival of 28- year- old Falcao sparked new moves around United, who have failed to win any of their first three games in the Premier League.

United’s England striker Danny Wellbeck was also tipped to move during the day. Their Japanese striker Shinji Kagawa returned to former club Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.

Man City’s defender Micah Richards was in Italy for a medical with Fiorentina, the Italian side said. Chelsea’s Dutch midfielder Marco van Ginkel joined AC Milan.

Italy’s World Cup striker Alessio Cerci moved from Torino to Atletico Madrid, who have signed 10 players for their campaign to defend the Spanish title. According to Fifa’s Transfer Matching System, which monitors the global market, the big five leagues have already smashed the $ 2.02 billion spent on last year’s transfer market.

Spending is dramatically higher this year in England, Spain and to a lesser degree Germany.