Manchester City have reportedly made early moves to sign Atletico Madrid forward Radamel Falcao.

According to The People, sporting director Txiki Begiristain has begun negotiations in a possible £40m move.

Falcao is behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the La Liga scoring charts this season, and has become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.

City have moved early to get a head start on their rivals after missing out on top targets last summer.

Manager Roberto Mancini was angry that City missed out on striker Robin van Persie and has insisted that City get their transfer business done as quickly as possible.

Mancini is thought to be interested in Falcao as well as Edinson Cavani and Neymar.