Man United's Falcao future hangs in the balance

Agent Jorge Mendes to discuss with Reds chiefs this week whether they will sign £265,000-a-week loanee who has made little impression permanently

Radamel Falcao is heading for crunch talks over his Manchester United future.

Colombian striker Falcao's agent, Jorge Mendes, is due to hold top-level discussions with members of the Old Trafford hierarchy this week.

On-loan Monaco star Falcao has insisted he is fully fit after last year's cruciate knee injury that kept him out of the World Cup finals, but has privately admitted he is struggling for confidence and has not scored in his last four games.

One of the low points came at Preston two weeks ago, when he was substituted in the FA Cup as he struggled to make an impact against third-tier opposition.

Falcao is on £265,000-a-week contract and United must decide whether to sign him permanently when his loan expires in the summer.

He has failed to to make himself a must-pick for manager Louis van Gaal but wants to stay, while United must decide whether the 29-year-old fits into their long-term plans.

Fellow striker Robin van Persie has also struggled for form and fitness this season and the likelihood is Van Gaal will look for a big-name frontman in the summer transfer window.

United are also talking to Mendes about extending Spanish keeper David De Gea's contract and are increasingly confident he will sign and stay.

Real Madrid appear to have lost some of their interest in De Gea, with incumbent Iker Casillas showing a return to form.