Chelsea's relationship with super agent Jorge Mendes is key to them landing Atletico Madrid star Radamel Falcao. Mendes enjoys a very strong relationship with Chelsea, and holds a lot of influence over transfers at the West London club.

A whole host of players he represents have found their way through the club, including: Deco, Tiago, Ricardo Carvalho, Ricardo Quaresma, Paulo Ferreira, Jose Bosingwa, Maniche and Raul Meireles - not to mention manager Jose Mourinho.

With Mendes representing Falcao, the Blues have a headstart over potential bidding rivals Manchester City in the chase for the forward, who signed for Atleti in a record €40million deal, says the Mirror.