Liverpool have made an inquiry into the availability of Radamel Falcao but their tentative interest has gone no further after being informed that the Monaco forward is destined for Real Madrid.

Falcao is set to leave Monaco on loan this summer and Liverpool looked into the possibility of taking him to Anfield as a short term replacement for Luis Suarez only to discover that, as expected, the 28-year-old has his heart set on signing for Real.

That, coupled with the financial implications of the £12 million loan fee Monaco are seeking and the Colombian’s salary of £10 million per year after tax, has brought Liverpool’s interest to an end at the earliest possible stage.

Brendan Rodgers has admitted it is “crucial” that another striker is