Wednesday 28 January 2015 18:37, UK
Sky sources say Fiorentina will not sell Juan Cuadrado to Chelsea this month unless their full 35m-euro asking price is met.
That is the buy-out figure in the Colombia winger's contract, and it is understood Fiorentina are not prepared to compromise.
Sources say Mohamad Salah has been offered as part of a deal, but the Serie A club are interested in a cash transaction only.
Cuadrado attracted interest from Manchester United and Barcelona in the wake of an impressive World Cup last summer, but neither club came close to activating a release clause which expires in July.
As for the player, he would welcome a move to Stamford Bridge if an agreement is reached but continues to train with Fiorentina and is not agitating for a move.
Cuadrado would be a hit in the Premier League according to team-mate Micah Richards, the Manchester City defender spending this season on loan in Italy.
"I have heard all the top teams in England are looking at him and so they should be," Richards told Sky Sports News HQ.
"I have been training with him every day and he’s got everything; technique, speed, power, pace. All his attributes would be suited to the Premier League so I can see exactly why he is being linked with a move there.
"He’s loved here at Fiorentina and if he was to leave the fans would be gutted but I suppose as a player he’s got to decide what’s best for him.
"He’s been here for five or six years so if he feels like he needs to make that step then I would be happy to give him advice."
However, his coach at Fiorentina, Vincenzo Montella, thinks Cuadrado will remain in Italy: “In his contract there is an escape clause and if another team pays this amount he can leave Fiorentina – and if he agrees (to leave). But I think he will stay at Fiorentina.
“The clause says £35 million and only in this situation is it possible to buy. But I have not spoken to him about it.”
Asked whether he knew if Chelsea had made contact with the Serie A club, about Cuadrado's possible move to the Premier League, he added: “Probably, but I don’t know.”
As for a reported swap deal involving Salah, Montella said he had read about this in the newspapers but that was all.
