Chelsea step up pursuit of Falcao... Torres to go on on loan to Liverpool?

Chelsea are poised to step up their interest in signing Atletico Madrid star Radamel Falcao particularly after their controversial 3-2 defeat against Manchester United on Sunday.

The Premier League's summit clash was marred by poor refereeing which resulted in Fernando Torres being dismissed after receiving a second booking for diving although he was clearly tripped by Jonny Evans.

They avenged this defeat with a dramatic 5-4 extra time victory in the League Cup fourth round on Wednesday.

However, £50 million flop Torres is likely to be sent out on loan to Liverpool with Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo and Blues owner Roman Abramovich unhappy with the Spaniard's performance in the absence of departed Didier Drogba.

They are in hot pursuit of Europe's star striker Falcao with  Abramovich even ready to meet the player's £46 million release clause in January.

Atletico are keen to retain the Colombian by offering him a new and improved contract, but the 26-year-old has hinted he wants to move to Stamford Bridge, according to the Daily Mail (http://bit.ly/V2XSH4).

Falcao only joined Atletico last summer and his current deal runs to 2016, but the club hope that improved terms will convince the player to stay, according to talkSPORT.

When asked what he was going to do at the end of the season, Falcao said: "I don't even know what I'm doing tomorrow.

"I am happy here and enjoying things at present. I am not thinking about leaving, only in playing this season and I hope everything goes well."

A new deal would also included a higher release clause for a player who is considered by most to be the best striker in world football at the moment.

"The club has needs and it depends on certain results," he said. "There are many factors. The economy of the club, entering the Champions League.

"Later, Atletico and the responsible people will decide what to do with my future. Many times the players are the last to know."

The former Porto and River Plate man took his tally to 13 goals in nine league games by scoring on Sunday night's 3-1 win over Osasuna.

Falcao also netted a memorable hat-trick against Chelsea in the European Super Cup back in August.