Alain Traore’s move to Monaco falls through

French daily newspaper L’Equipe has learned that Monaco’s proposed move for Lorient midfielder Alain Traore has failed to materialize.

The two clubs had agreed on a season-long loan with an option to buy well ahead of the transfer deadline, but the deal still could not be completed in time.

Namely, Monaco officials waited for Radamel Falcao to complete his switch to Manchester United before recruiting Traore and with the deal taking the Colombian to Old Trafford not wrapped up until a couple hours after midnight, the Principality club had to give up on the Burkina Faso international.

Having also failed to sign a proper replacement for playmaker James Rodriguez, Monaco could struggle to mount a serious title challenge in Ligue 1, where they are 12/1 for the trophy.

Alain Traore, 25, was considered one of league’s top players not so long ago, but his ongoing injury problems prevented him from reaching the full potential.