AS Monaco expect to win the race for Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao.

Despite being a number one target for English clubs including the two Manchester clubs and Chelsea, Falcao looks set to join Monaco - who were promoted to Ligue 1 this season after winning the French second tier under former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri.

And Ranieri's assistant Jean Petit says Falcao, who has scored 29 La Liga goals this season, will be the first of a number of top players to join Monaco's assault on the top flight.

"We are expecting Falcao and four or five other players of his quality," he told Radio RCN.

"We have spoken and we continue to speak with Falcao and his representatives, negotiations are ongoing. We hope to seal a deal as soon as possible."