Liverpool have made an eye-catching attempt to bring Radamel Falcao to Anfield only to be informed the Monaco striker is destined for Real Madrid this summer.

The Colombia striker was subject to an inquiry from Liverpool several days ago as Brendan Rodgers attempts to secure a replacement for Luis Suárez. Liverpool’s approach revealed the 28-year-old, who missed his country’s captivating World Cup campaign with a cruciate ligament injury, is set to follow James Rodríguez out of Monaco but that a deal with European champions Real is close to being agreed. The inquiry from Liverpool has gone no further.

Falcao is keen to return to Madrid having enjoyed a successful two-year spell in the Spanish capital with Real’s local rivals, La Liga champions Atlético. He left that club for a reported £50m last summer but has not settled in Monaco and suffered the knee injury that destroyed his World Cup hopes in a French cup tie in January.

Manchester City have also shown interest in the former Porto forward, with both Premier League clubs understood to be keen on a loan deal with an option for a permanent transfer. However, Falcao appears Real-bound.