The Colombian striker was originally named in the squad for Saturday’s match but his late omission has raised serious questions over his future in France

Monaco striker Radamel Falcao appears close to leaving the Ligue 1 outfit after being left out of the team to face Lille on Saturday.

Head coach Leonardo Jardim had initially named the Colombian forward in a panel of 19 to face the northern outfit and, having started last weekend’s match against Nantes it was fully anticipated that he would once again feature from the outset at Stade Louis II, particularly after he scored in that clash.

Falcao, who missed the second half of last season with a serious knee problem sustained in a Coupe de France match in January, has, however, been closely linked with a move away from the principality for much of the summer.

Monaco have not reported any further physical complaints from their forward, and so it appears that this exit is likely to come in the next few days, with French media suggesting that a deal could even be completed on Saturday evening.

Several sides have been closely associated with the 28-year-old forward, including Juventus, Arsenal, Liverpool and Real Madrid.

While it is expected that Monaco’s asking price of €65 million will be too great to tempt suitors before the end of the transfer window, it appears likely that the ex-Atletico Madrid and Porto striker will instead be shipped out on a one-year loan, expected to cost the purchasing club €20m.

Falcao’s record in France reads that he has scored 13 goals in 22 matches, though he has been criticised for his failure to replicate his Atletico Madrid form in Ligue 1.

The Liverpool captain believes the Champions League holders are the opponents which the Reds really wanted and look forward to testing themselves against the world’s best stars

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard cannot wait to pit his wits against Champions League holders Real Madrid.

Gerrard’s side return to Europe’s elite club competition following a five-year absence this season and Thursday’s draw in Monaco paired them with Real.

Basel and Ludogorets complete Group B, but it is the prospect of facing a stellar Real team – who defeated rivals Atletico Madrid in the 2013-14 final – that has captured Gerrard’s imagination.

Former England skipper Gerrard has fond memories of Champions League meetings with Real, with the 34-year-old having scored twice in a 4-0 rout of the Spanish giants at Anfield at the last-16 stage of the 2008-09 competition.

And while a repeat of that scoreline appears unlikely, Gerrard – who lifted the Champions League trophy in 2005 – believes Liverpool can compete with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. this time around.

“They were one of the sides that all of the players wanted, and certainly the supporters,” he told the club’s official website.

“For us, it’s a chance to go and compete against the best. We’re not in this competition to make the numbers up, we’re not celebrating and going out to enjoy this competition – we want to compete and go as far as we can.

“We’re going to treat every team in the group the same – but, of course, it’s going to be an exciting encounter when Real come to Anfield and also us going away as well. I can’t wait.

“It’s a chance for us to compete against some of the best players in the world – the likes of Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Karim Benzema.

“We’re quite a new team, so it’s a great chance for our lads to compete and see how good we are and how far we’ve come.

“We’ve got a lot of respect for Real Madrid but we certainly have confidence we can compete with them.”

The central defender could be heading back to his former club after struggling to secure a regular first-team place under Brendan Rodgers last season

Brondby have confirmed they are in negotiations with Liverpool over a deal for Daniel Agger.

Goal understands that Liverpool have been open to selling the 29-year-old since the start of the summer, with Napoli initially interested in a move.

The Denmark international started just 16 games in the Premier League last season and is behind Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho in the pecking order at Anfield.

A statement from Brondby CEO Jesper Jorgensen said: “There have now been speculation in Danish and international media that Brondby is in dialogue with Liverpool FC about a transfer of Daniel Agger .

“Brondby can confirm that there is dialogue with Liverpool FC and Daniel Agger about a move to Brondby. If the club manage to sign Daniel Agger during the next few days, the financial effect of the profit will be limited.

“Brondby IF have no further comments on speculation about Daniel Agger.”