Manchester City aim to steal Barça's thunder with Cuadrado bid

Manchester City are interested in signing Fiorentina star Juan Cuadrado when the transfer window opens again in January, according to reports in the British press.

Cuadrado, 26, has also been linked with Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid. In fact, Barça came very close to signing the Colombian international in the summer, although Fiorentina's price demands eventually killed the deal.

Manuel Pellegrini's side may take advantage of his availability this winter, though, by throwing down the full €35million release clause.

The 'Daily Express' say City are prepared to go straight in with that price, which was fixed when Cuadrado signed a new deal in October, to ensure Manchester United can't creep in.

Last season, the player born in Necocli played 43 matches for the Italian side, who he signed for in 2012, and scored 13 times in those appearances - his contract expires in 2019.