Manchester United Take Lead Ahead of Barcelona in Signing Fiorentina Star Juan Cuadrado

Manchester United have reportedly taken a lead ahead of Barcelona in their ongoing pursuit of signing Juan Cuadrado, according to Le10Sport.

The Colombian international had an impressive run in the World Cup in Brazil, which saw him gather interest from top clubs from Europe. The Fiorentina star has been constantly linked with a move away from his current employers, with United and Barcelona set to battle it out in landing the versatile player.

The Catalan club were the firm favourites in signing Cuadrado, but it is believed that United are in pole position in capturing the 26-year-old winger. The Serie A outfit's president Andrea Della Valle has already admitted that it will be difficult for Viola to keep hold of their star player.

Barcelona have already signed Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Jeremy Mathieu, Claudio Bravo, Alen Halilovic and Marc-Andre ter Stegen this summer. These deals have seen them spend over £100m in bringing new players to Camp Nou.

Fiorentina value Cuadrado around €50m and any move from potential suitors should meet their asking price. A move from Barcelona for the Colombian could see them breach UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules.

The Catalan club's situation of overspending in the transfer window is likely to give United the added advantage in sealing a move for Cuadrado.

Meanwhile, Valle says top clubs in Europe are keen on signing the player and only a "satisfactory offer" will see them open the door for the winger to leave his current employers.

"When he comes back to us in a couple of weeks we will see if he shows his willingness to continue in Florence and if he still has the necessary motivation to stay with us. It's a tricky situation, as half of Europe are knocking on his door," Valle said in July.

"If Cuadrado were to be sold it would only be for a satisfactory offer. The fans remain confident, however. With the money we received from the transfer of Cuadrado we would immediately recruit other players to strengthen the squad."

"But if the offer that we are expecting does not arrive, we would be more than happy to keep him," the Fiorentina president concluded.