Chelsea told to cough up £26.8m for Cuadrado

LONDON : Chelsea have once again been warned they will have to meet Juan Cuadrado’s £26.8million release clause if they want to sign him before Monday’s deadline.

Fiorentina’s wideman is a target for the Blues who are trying to offload Mohamed Salah and Andre Schurrle to make room for the Colombian in their squad.

Chelsea have already had a bid of £20.6million rejected while Fiorentina say they do not want Salah as part of the deal.

Boss Vicenzo Montella said: “Cuadrado’s situation is very easy. In his contract there is a release clause, and if another team pays this amount he can leave Fiorentina.

“He has never said that he wants to leave for Chelsea because he and I have not spoken about that situation.

“I think Chelsea have probably been in talks with his agent but I don’t know. His €35m release clause has to be paid if he is to leave.

“I hope Cuadrado stays at Fiorentina of course. His mind is clear he’s enjoying playing here, he’s a good guy and I think he will stay.

“He has the characteristics suited to English football because he’s fantastic in positive transitions and with Mourinho it could be perfect.”