Report: Falcao's return to Atletico fell through because of Jackson Martinez

To see a list of completed deals in the January window thus far, visit theScore's Premier League transfer tracker.

There were more than a few eyebrows raised when Chelsea completed the signing of Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato earlier this month, but while that deal surprised many, reports that emerged Monday suggesting a corresponding deal made all too much sense.

Matt Law of The Telegraph reported that wantaway striker Radamel Falcao was in Spain, where his agent, Jorge Mendes, attempted to facilitate a move back to former club Atletico Madrid.

The deal, however, did not get completed ahead of the deadline, and Jackson Martinez is likely to blame.

Saj Chowdhury of the BBC reports that Atleti's inability to jettison Martinez to China scuppered any chance of Falcao's return to a club where he scored 70 goals in 90 appearances during his successful stint.

Falcao, 29, has scored just one goal since making the summer move to Stamford Bridge, and has not taken the pitch since October due to a lingering thigh injury.

Related: Falcao's latest injury is 'very serious,' says Hiddink

The Colombian, who endured a similarly disappointing spell at Manchester United last season, is still owned by Monaco.