Don't wait 30 years - sign up for our daily football email newsletter today! Sign up Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The Ligue 1 club last night tried to laugh off the suggestion but the row over their finances continues to rumble on.

Frederic Thiriez, president of France’s football governing body LFP, believes Monaco have an unfair advantage over other clubs in the French top flight because they can offer players huge wages with the promise of paying no tax.

Colombian Falcao, 27, signed for £52million from Atletico Madrid in July on a reported tax-free wage of £270,000 per week.

But Monaco could face a fine of £85m if they do not move in line with other French clubs where players earning figures like Falcao are currently taxed at 75 per cent.

One top French official said: “The tax advantage that Monaco has is considered unfair by other clubs, especially in a period of economic difficulties for all clubs except for PSG.

“For example, former winners of the league – Lyon and Lille – must now sell their players in order to break even.”

Reports from Spain suggest Falcao’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has sounded out possible moves for his player, with Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all put on alert.

Falcao was chased by Europe’s top clubs earlier this summer – and if he became available the chase would begin all over again.

But Monaco are trying to find a way around the situation and last night denied reports they might be forced to sell.

A club statement on Twitter said: “The club categorically deny rumours about a sale of Falcao.

“As a reminder, the Colombian attacker has signed with ASMFC for five years.”