Chelsea Readying Bid in Signing Manchester United Target and Fiorentina Star Juan Cuadrado

Chelsea are planning a shock move in signing Manchester United summer target Juan Cuadrado in this summer transfer window, reports the Express.

The Fiorentina star has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, while Barcelona are also keen on securing a deal for the versatile player. If the reports are to be believed, the Catalan club has ended their interest in the Colombian international and he was set to complete his £36m move to United.

However, the Red Devils' league rivals Chelsea are now looking to hijack United's move for Cuadrado. The Blues manager Jose Mourinho has now joined the race in order to bolster his squad for the next season.

The former Real Madrid manager believes the Premier League champions Manchester City pose a major threat to his side in winning the title in the upcoming campaign. Mourinho has now set his sights on signing Cuadrado and has made an approach with Fiorentina for their star player.

Cuadrado was in fine form for Colombia in the World Cup in Brazil. His brilliant run has seen him attract interest from top clubs across Europe.

The Serie A outfit are hoping to secure a deal for Chelsea midfielder Marko Marin. The Portuguese tactician is hoping to allow the 25-year-old leave Stamford Bridge and bring in Cuadrado to the west London club.

Fiorentina's interest in Marin will allow Chelsea make a player-plus-cash approach in landing the versatile Colombian star. The Italian outfit's owner Andrea Della Valle has admitted the 26-year-old could leave his current employers if an "important offer" is made by potential suitors.

"Cuadrado said he would like to make the decisive step in his career. If an important offer were to come in we would have to let him go. The boy is honest and serious and if the offer comes in we'll let him go," Valle explained.

"However, I have reiterated that he could stay another year. The chances of him staying? I do not know the percentages but it will be difficult to keep him."

Should Mourinho manage to snatch Cuadrado from United's nose, it will be a massive blow for Louis van Gaal and his side. The Dutchman has long been hoping to add Cuadrado to United's squad as he fits perfectly into Van Gaal's 3-5-2 formation.