Barcelona leading the chase for Colombian ace

Sport360 staff 06:58 21/07/2014
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  • Wanted man: Juan Cuadrado.

    Fiorentina co-owner Andrea Della Valle has revealed he may be forced to sell Juan Cuadrado if the Colom­bian wants to move to Barcelona.

    Cuadrado is being lined up by Barca as a potential long-term replacement for Dani Alves at right-back but the 26-year-old’s versatility also means he can play in midfield or in their three-man forward line. Fiorentina value the Colombian international at £35 million with Man­chester United and Arsenal also interested parties.

    Cuadrado is not due back in Flor­ence until next week following his participation in the World Cup where he finished as the competi­tion’s assist leader with four.

    “When Cuadrado returns we want to see if he shows us the desire to stay at Fiorentina,” Della Valle said. “If he really does want to remain then we will talk to him and be honest about resolving the situa­tion.

    “It’s complicated, but not impos­sible. I’ll do everything I can to keep him, even if requires making sac­rifices elsewhere, but if Cuadrado is no longer motivated to stay here then we can only accept that and move on.

    “However, at the moment I don’t get that vibe from him.”

    Cuadrado joined Fiorentina in 2012 as a co-ownership with Udinese but La Viola purchased his full rights last month for £12m, on top of the £5m they paid two years ago. Barca are also said to be interes-ted in Ajax utility man Daley Blind, who has been photo­graphed on holiday in Catalonia. Dutchman Blind is another who en­joyed a stellar World Cup, playing at left-wing back and midfield .

    Due to his fine tournament, Ajax’s asking price has increased to around £18m with agent Rob Jansen admitting he is interested in a move away from Amsterdam with the Dutch champi­ons not the only interested club.

    Jansen said: “At the moment there is nothing concrete. But the rumours of today could very well be tomorrow’s reality.

    “There are many clubs interested in Daley. We will have to wait and see what happens when the transfer market shakes up.”

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