United accused of £3.5m fake friendly scam in deal for Falcao

MANCHESTER UNITED agreed to a fake friendly with Monaco to ensure the French club received a £3.5million bonus for the loan signing of Radamel Falcao, according to the latest Football Leaks. Documents obtained by hackers allege the Old Trafford club originally agreed to pay Monaco £3.5m if United qualified for the Champions League. But French rules prohibit such a clause in a contract and so United signed a separate deal to play a friendly against Monaco and pay £3.5m — regardless of whether the match took place. United qualified for the Champions League and the friendly was cancelled. United declined to comment.

WOLVES and Spain defender Jonny Otto could be set for a long spell on the sidelines after injuring knee ligaments in his country’s friendly against Bosnia on Sunday.

BOURNEMOUTH defender Adam Smith will be out for up to three months with a knee injury. Smith was forced off in the first half of Bournemouth’s defeat at Newcastle earlier this month.

READING manager Paul Clement is under increasing pressure with former Swansea manager Carlos Carvalhal being considered as a potential successor. Chief executive Ron Gourlay, who appointed Clement, stepped down yesterday. Reading are 20th in the Championship with four wins from 17 games.

GILLES GRIMANDI is leaving his role as Arsenal’s leading French scout as the post-Arsene Wenger revamp continues.